Cessna 210 crashes shortly after takeoff

A Cessna 210 with the registration N1329U crashed into a field shortly after taking off from a regional airport in Louisiana on Tuesday, October 13, around 5 a.m. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was able to exit the aircraft on his own with minor injuries, including a head cut. The crash occurred seconds after takeoff, and the plane rolled onto its back upon landing in a field.

Engine detached from the aircraft

According to photos published by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, the engine was clearly detached from its mount and ended up about 30 meters away from the fuselage. The initial testimonies suggest that the separation of the engine was the cause of the accident, rather than a consequence.

NTSB to investigate crash cause

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the incident to determine the cause, including whether it was due to poor bolting, fuselage failure, or abnormal stresses. The investigation will look into all possible factors that could have led to the engine detachment and subsequent crash.

Pilot’s control may have been affected

The plane's landing appears to have been relatively controlled, possibly due to the pilot being the only person on board, which may have placed the center of gravity near the forward limit. However, the loss of about 200 kg from the Continental IO-520 engine likely caused an abrupt shift in the center of gravity, making it challenging to maintain control under these conditions.