According to air traffic control information, the pilot contacted the Eastern Iowa Airport (KCID), in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and told the tower controller he was going to perform landings at Green Castle Airport (IA24), in Oxford, Iowa, located about 8 miles south of KCID.
A witness located adjacent to the runway at IA24 reported the Cessna T210M entered a left traffic pattern for Runway 15. After touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the right wing lifted up to an estimated 45° angle. The airplane’s wings then leveled, and the airplane bounced a second time.
The airplane landed, exited the runway surface to the left, and entered a harvested corn field.
The witness then heard the engine increase to full power, and the pilot attempted to takeoff from the field.
The airplane hit a power pole and power line near the corner of the field and then hit terrain. A post-crash fire ensued. The pilot died in the crash.
The witness estimated the wind to be from the west about 20 knots at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane’s capability and his decision to attempt to takeoff from a field, which resulted in a collision with a power pole and terrain.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This May 2021 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
