Cessna T210 Turbo Centurion — Other Documents

This document is an accident report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) detailing the in-flight breakup of a Cessna T210M aircraft, registered VH-SUX, which occurred on May 26, 2019. The report investigates the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the aircraft's operational profile, maintenance history, and structural integrity. It highlights the findings related to a pre-existing fatigue crack in the wing spar carry-through structure that led to the separation of the right wing and subsequent loss of control, resulting in a fatal crash. The report also discusses the safety actions taken by the manufacturer and regulatory authorities following the incident, aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

• The accident involved a Cessna T210M aircraft, registered VH-SUX, which crashed due to the separation of the right wing.
• A pre-existing fatigue crack in the wing spar carry-through structure was identified as the primary cause of the accident.
• The aircraft was modified for geophysical survey operations, including the installation of auxiliary fuel tanks.
• The accident flight was conducted at a height of approximately 200 feet AGL and a speed of 147 knots.
• Following the accident, Textron Aviation and the FAA issued directives for inspections of the wing structure in Cessna 210 models.