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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 29, 1997 · Cessna T210M · N761HQ

San Martin, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Martin, CA
Aircraft
Cessna T210M
Tail Number
N761HQ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX97LA307

The pilot was conducting a post-maintenance check flight of the aircraft following an annual inspection completed the prior day. During repairs associated with the annual inspection, the three engine control cables were replaced. While in cruise flight the engine lost power and the pilot attempted to glide to an emergency landing. He overshot the 3,100-foot-long runway and went off the departure end. When the engine was uncowled, the bolt which connects the throttle control to the throttle body actuator arm was missing. The bolt was found in the bottom of the cowling, but the nut was not located. The bolt did not comply with an applicable Airworthiness Directive. The pilot opined that after the throttle control separated, the engine may not have gone completely to the idle power position and the resulting partial engine power may have contributed to the landing overshoot. The pilot stated that he was wearing a headset and could not hear the engine well enough to detect a partial power condition.

NTSB Probable Cause

Installation of improper connecting hardware by maintenance personnel, and, the inadequate inspection of the installed hardware by inspection personnel resulting in separation of the engine throttle linkage.

Full Narrative

On August 29, 1997, at 1510 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna T210M, N761HQ, overshot the landing runway and impacted a fence and terrain at South County Airport, San Martin, California. The aircraft was substantially damaged, and the airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the post-maintenance check flight. The flight departed from the San Jose International Airport about 1430. The pilot told an inspector from the San Jose Flight Standards District Office that he was conducting the check flight of the aircraft following an annual inspection, which was completed the prior day. While in cruise flight, the engine lost power and he attempted to glide to runway 32 for an emergency landing. He overshot the 3,100-foot-long runway and went off the departure end. The inspector reported that when the engine was uncowled, the bolt which connects the throttle control to the throttle body actuator arm was missing. The bolt was found in the bottom of the cowling, but the nut was not located. Subsequent investigation revealed that, during maintenance associated with the inspection, the throttle, propeller and mixture control cables had been replaced. The bolt found in the bottom of the cowling was an improper type that did not comply with an applicable Airworthiness Directive. In his report to the Safety Board, the pilot stated that after the throttle control separated, the engine may not have gone completely to the idle power position and the resulting partial engine power may have contributed to the landing overshoot. The pilot stated that he was wearing a headset and could not hear the engine well enough to detect a partial power condition.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:10 PDT
Nearest AirportSouth County (1nm NW)
Runway32
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T210M
Tail NumberN761HQ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-R1A · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 12 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data