Primary finding
Probable cause
The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff the engine stopped producing power. He performed a forced landing to a field and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was recovered from the accident site, but the wreckage was sold without permission from the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge. Therefore, a detailed engine examination could not be accomplished and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 2, 2021, about 1545 eastern standard time, a Cessna C210A airplane, N6637X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Grand Haven, Michigan. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot reported that the flight departed from Grand Haven Memorial Airpark (3GM), Grand Haven, Michigan, and was en route to Muskegon County Airport (MKG), Muskegon, Michigan, for a transponder repair. He had previously flown the airplane a couple hours before without incident. About 30 minutes after departing from 3GM, the airplane lost total engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage and both wings. A postaccident on-scene examination of the engine did not determine the reason for the loss of engine power. The airplane was approved for movement by a recovery company with the request that when it arrived, an engine examination would be coordinated. A few months later, having not heard back from the recovery company, a request to examine the airplane was sent. The recovery company replied that they were unaware of a hold on the airplane, and they had sold the salvage. Since custody was not maintained, a detailed engine examination could not be coordinated.