EMERGENCY LANDING IN A CESSNA 210 (KCGF to KBKW)

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Published 2018-01-17
Ride along our trip from Ohio to Florida, cut short by an engine failure. Our #4 cylinder failed 90 minutes into flight.

04/30/2018 UPDATE!

When I was checked out on the 210 during my first 10 hours I was taught to manage mixture by keeping the EGTs at around 1400 in this aircraft. This has since proved WAY too lean for these cylinders at certain altitudes / throttle settings.

Only many flights later did I figure out on my own that the engine prefers closer to 1330 EGT in this situation. So, in hindsight, I should have enriched the mixture immediately and the problem would have probably gone away. I have since educated myself quite significantly on engine mgmt., and would advocate all pilots do the same.

Here's a great start: www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/articles_…

08/21/2018 UPDATE!

This MAY have been all caused by a bad magneto, exacerbated by higher engine temps. Over the last year, running engine as I have described above, we've still had problems with the engine cylinders having consistent CHT values. In addition engine roughness was observed whenever the engine was hotter. Last week the left magneto failed on pre-flight runup. After replacing the magneto the engine is running extremely smooth compared to before! I've been able to run the CHTs much higher now without any roughness.

All Comments (21)
  • @deardaughter
    As a man who puts his hand out the window when driving and acts like it’s an airplane, I can tell you he did everything right in this situation.
  • As a pilot and former Air Traffic Controller I want to compliment your calm and professional demeanor during the emergency. Classic textbook way of controlling the emergency. I'm sure the aviation community and your family appreciate your skills. Great job!
  • You handled it so calmly, the kids in the back were blissfully unaware that anything was wrong.
  • @MaloPiloto
    As a former general aviation pilot of 22 years, I can tell you that this is an excellent pilot! He handled the situation really well. Great job!
  • @RGSEast1
    As a 11,000 hour pilot, I am impressed with the pilots cool and attention to detail. This should be a required viewing for new pilots for one thing it teaches. After the start of the vibration, he was not hesitant in declaring an emergency. It was done in under a minute. I have heard instructors tell students to not declare an emergency because of all the trouble you will get into. Declare an emergency, get all the help you can and when you and your passengers are safely on the ground with a cup of warm coffee, then worry about the big bad FAA. You will notice that he was not ordered to the control tower to start filling out forms. Be safe. Get help and help is spelled "I am declaring an EMERGENCY."
  • @franfran6152
    Once he declares and starts emergency landing procedures everything is serious (music stops), then as soon as he puts the plane down, music keys up again! I love it. Great landing!
  • @ronlackey2689
    That cockpit view right there brings it home to us non-pilots. What an awesome responsibility a pilot has. Those little babies in the back......
  • @Marvelous3215
    I love how cool the wife is at all times, you can tell she has total faith in her husband. Pilot handled it perfectly and his wife did also.
  • @OrionsKelt
    You and your wife make one hell of a team. She piloted that back seat as well as you did the plane. Excellent flying sir.
  • @Badge-vo7hq
    Please know this is coming from a student pilot but thank you so much for posting this. The calmness you displayed here is just incredible. My instructor has always drilled into me no matter what happens just keep flying the plane to the ground. You sir did that with precision. Thanks again and best of luck to you guys.
  • @petgeek1
    Great performance. Crisp, professional and safe. That's a pilot, folks.
  • @aportman58
    I stumbled upon this video but will give high marks to the pilot for promptly recognizing the initial problem and calming declaring and handling the emergency landing! And too a huge kudo to the pilot's wife and family members capacity to remain calm throughout the emergency! Having someone(s) panicking while trying to handle the emergency situation add another layer to the problem that can compile the emergency! Having flown small single engine planes many years ago losing an engine in the middle of no where was always one of my greatest fears! Great job and glad you all made it down safe and sound!!!
  • @cordellwynne
    The real time 10 minutes at the end were so involving. The unexpected stress of declaring emergency mobilizes all the adults into their best versions of themselves. Each displays their unique, understated courage. Cousin Mark very competently helps with manuals, staying cool and vigilant while the women focus first on the kids then toggle to quiet alert. The pilot maintains profound professional calm, exercising all his skills, completely committed to getting everyone on the ground. Thanks so much for posting this. Great flying.
  • @s3aae
    And the best part of this flight was the absolutely perfect manner in which you kept your passengers calm. Very well done, sir!
  • @eshelly4577
    What happens when you are on your game. When you are actually piloting an aircraft and not just going for a ride. He was continually planning and thinking. Well done. Great airmanship.
  • @JS-wz3km
    You landed safely, job well done. From a CFI, if you have this happen again, treat a partial engine failure as a complete engine failure, because you don't know when it will become one. Once you know where you want to land, circle over the landing point, rather than fly away to make s-turns then try to fly back. This has a few benefits. One, you'll know how much altitude your giving up per turn so you can plan to be on altitude at the "high key" point. Since we practice power-off 180 your enroute glide is always aimed to arrive at the "High Key" point. Two, if you lose electrical power due to the engine failure or subsequent fire, other aircraft observing your circle should understand you intend to make an emergency landing under your circle. They will know to give way. Three, it is less likely to mis-judge the energy needed to make the runway if you're circling above it rather than trying to setup a long straight-in final. Again, well done, glad to see everyone is safe.
  • @tlars8569
    Your wife is a keeper and a good co pilot, seems like she's pointing out the obvious but better for her to be aware & engaged than clueless. Happy trails!
  • A very cool calm and collected pilot who showed no signs of anxiety at any stage and was in complete control of the situation at all times. Congratulations to the pilot for not upsetting the pax.
  • @borntobbad
    This is a textbook example of knowing alternatives, rather than being out of options when you suddenly realize...you're out of options. He identified a problem, locked on to his alternative and declared the emergency. I'd go anywhere with this PIC !
  • @gevans5446
    This is the coolest group of people I have ever seen. Kudos to you all for keeping a level head throughout this ordeal.