Cessna P210N accident near Carthage, North Carolina, February 18, 2010
On February 18, 2010 at about 8:00 pm local time, a Cessna P210N, registered N731DS, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Carthage, North Carolina (Moore County airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- February 18, 2010 · about 8:00 pm local time
- Place
- Carthage, North Carolina · Moore County · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna P210N · all P210Ns on the register
- Registration
- N731DS · registry record · serial P21000446
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
During the initial climb after takeoff, as the airplane climbed to an altitude of approximately 50 to 60 feet, it experienced a momentary loss of engine power, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently touched down on a grassy area located beyond the runway and encountered a ditch. The airplane's nose gear separated and the left wing was substantially damaged. Examination of the engine did not reveal any catastrophic mechanical malfunctions and fuel was present in the fuel system. Postaccident examination and testing of the airplane's fuel system did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have resulted in a complete loss of engine power. The airplane had been operated for approximately 8 hours since its most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 1 month prior to the accident according to the airplane's maintenance records.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during initial climb defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during emergency descent
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing (landing roll)
The NTSB's findings
- cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 4,715 hours in all; 2,000 in this make and model
- Last flight review: August 10, 2009
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 2,884 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, January 26, 2010; 8 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 4,100 lb
- Seats: 6
- Landing gear: retractable
- Engine: Cont Motor TSIO-520-P6B (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: SOP Carthage NC at 8:00 pm
- Destination: SOP Carthage NC
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 23, 5,503 ft by 150 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 360° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 52°F (11°C), dew point 25°F (-4°C)
- Altimeter: 29.93 inHg
- Observation at 8:15 pm from SOP
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.