N4137C

Substantial
None

CESSNA T210NS/N: 21063566

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 3, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA190
Location
Truckee, CA
Event ID
20100406X54022
Coordinates
39.319519, -120.180213
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to identify the snow-covered runway, which resulted in an off-runway landing and subsequent collision with a berm.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
21063566
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
T210NC210
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
T210N

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
N4137C INC
Address
1831 IDYLLWILD AVE
City
REDWOOD CITY
State / Zip Code
CA 94061-3349
Country
United States

Analysis

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he regularly commutes between the departure and destination airports, a majority of which is conducted in the winter months. While nearing the vicinity of the destination airport, the pilot received an airport condition report from airport personnel. The report indicated that there was runway ice with a 1- to 2-inch layer of snow blanketing the surface. On final approach the pilot aligned the airplane for landing on runway 28. He flared the airplane over what he thought was the normal touchdown point on the snow covered runway. The airplane touched down on the airport property about 50 feet north, and parallel to, the runway. While on the landing roll the airplane encountered a snow berm at the edge of runway 19.

The pilot opined that his extensive experience landing at the airport, and the relatively benign weather conditions, led to his complacency and deviation from standard aeronautical decision making practices; he believed this combination resulted in the accident. The pilot additionally reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to impact. As a result of the impact, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the firewall.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA190