Many posts seem to think C210 inflight break-ups are common. They're not. The C210 is very strong especially pulling positive Gs. A mate flying a C210 at 4500 ft up near MTI flew( in severe clear air) about 4 miles abeam a large CB with a well developed anvil. Without warning the aircraft dropped 200- 300ft throwing everyone violently off their seats hard against the belts.It was so violent the pilot ended up with his legs tangled up with those of the passenger in the PX legwell. The aircraft was then thrown around like a rag doll in a Rottweiler's mouth. It was so violent he couldn't extricate himself. He said it really made no difference as the aircraft was completely out of control and control column input seemed to have no effect. This went on for several minutes. He thought they were going to die.Then as suddenly as it started the violence stopped . They were at 12,500ft. He flew a long way from the cloud and not knowing what damage he might have and descended slowly to the nearest airport. On close examination the only damage they found was a few popped rivets in the top wing skin.He commented that he would never again doubt the strength of a 210 nor would he ever again fly within a bull's roar of a CB. Note at no time during the entire episode was he in cloud. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been had that occurred.
Last edited by rutan around; 6th Apr 2013 at 04:47.