N210MP

On November 21, 2006, about 1830 eastern standard time, a Cessna T210N, N210MP, was substantially damaged while on approach to the Essex County Airport (CDW), Caldwell, New Jersey. The certificated flight instructor, the private pilot, and the two passengers were not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Tipton Airport, Odenton, Maryland. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane was being flown by the private pilot, who was seated in the left seat and was conducting a visual approach to runway 9, a 3,721-foot-long, asphalt runway. The flight instructor seated in the right seat, was handling the radio communications. Both pilots reported that the private pilot was the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the flight, however, the private pilot was not instrument rated and the flight instructor listed himself as the PIC on the IFR flight plan.

The private pilot reported that the airplane was initially cleared to land on runway 4; however, he lined-up for runway 9, and was subsequently cleared to land on runway 9 by the air traffic control tower. While on final approach, the airplane struck trees. The private pilot stabilized the airplane and subsequently landed on runway 9; however, the nose gear collapsed after touch down, and the airplane veered off the runway, onto a grass area.

Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilots report any. In addition to the nose gear, damage was observed on the propeller, right aileron, left horizontal stabilizer and the elevator.

According to an FAA inspector, the private pilot reported 200 hours of total flight experience, with 50 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane, and the flight instructor reported 2,400 hours of total flight experience, with 80 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

A weather observation taken at CDW, at 1853, reported: wind from 110 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky clear; temperature 4 degrees Celsius (C); dew point -4 degrees C; altimeter 30.51 inches of mercury.