N7LVCessna P210N · 1980

On December 2, 2023, about 1343 Pacific standard time, a Cessna P210N, N7LV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Big Bear City Airport (L35), Big Bear, California. The pilot received serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal cross-country flight.

The pilot reported that after landing at L35,, he topped off the wing fuel tanks and taxied to runway 26 for the return flight back to Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL), Fullerton, California. During the takeoff, he applied takeoff power and rotated at 80 knots. Shortly after lifting off the runway, he experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot checked the positions of his engine control levers and then attempted to land on the remaining runway. He reported that there was no time to troubleshoot. As the airplane descended back to the runway, he heard the engine wind down to a stop. The pilot applied maximum braking but was unable to stop before exiting the end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a fence, crossed a road, and then nosed over in soft soil, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

A video of the accident airplane during the departure was captured by an individual located at the airport ramp. After a normal departure roll, the airplane departed the runway at the 3,000 ft runway marker and climbed to about 40 ft above ground level. Shortly after, the airplane started to descend, the tail began to oscillate up and down. The video ends as the airplane stabilized near the 1,000 ft runway marker and about 5 ft above the runway.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane’s fuel system was examined, and no anomalies were noted. Flight control continuity was established, and the flaps were found near their retracted position. All cockpit controls were connected to their respective components and functioned normally. The propeller assembly and propeller governor were examined and tested and revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

The maintenance records revealed that the last 100-hour inspection was performed August 18, 2023, by PropJet Aviation, in Windsor, California. The airplane had a total airframe time of 5,545.4 hours; the engine total time since new read 1,679.0 hours; and the propeller was installed new 525.0 hours before the inspection. The airplane had 9.3 hours of operation since the last inspection.