Cessna P210 Pressurized Centurion — Service Bulletins

This document is an AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) bulletin detailing a serious incident involving a Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion, registration G-CDMH. The bulletin outlines the events leading to the incident, where the aircraft inadvertently departed with a towbar still attached, which later caused a near-miss with another aircraft. The bulletin serves as a safety reminder for pilots regarding the importance of thorough pre-flight checks, particularly in ensuring that all ground equipment is removed before flight. It highlights human factors that can lead to distractions and emphasizes the need for improved visibility of ground equipment to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

• The incident involved a Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion departing with a towbar attached.
• The pilot was distracted by a motorcycle incident prior to the flight, contributing to the oversight.
• The towbar was not visible against the runway surface, leading to a near-miss with another aircraft.
• Post-incident, the pilot amended his pre-flight checklist to include a reminder to remove the towbar.
• Improving the visibility of ground equipment is crucial to prevent similar incidents.