N7617N

On April 19, 2006, approximately 2009 central daylight time, a Cessna T210N, N7617N, was destroyed when during low altitude cruise flight over rising terrain, the airplane struck a guy wire and then impacted terrain near Arkansas City, Kansas. A post-impact fire ensued. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot and passenger on board the airplane sustained serious injuries.

Local law enforcement personnel at the accident scene reported that the pilot may have been flying low taking pictures when the airplane "struck the power lines." A "power line" was observed being down at the site. The deputy said that a post-crash fire consumed most of the airplane. He also said that the power was out in the area.

The pilot reported they had taken off from Winfield, Kansas, with the intention of taking photographs. He said they headed east of the town where the terrain was hilly. The pilot said, "As the terrain came up closer to us, I climbed marginally to photograph the hills." The pilot said that the airplane "struck a guide wire" and that he "set [the airplane] down hard in a plowed field. The airplane caught fire and was totally consumed ..."

An examination of the airplane showed the guy wire wrapped around the propeller spinner. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies.