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A C210 pilot reports inadvertently switching off the avionics master switch while leaning forward to check the wing for ice. All panels go dark including comms (communications) and autopilot. A descent is initiated; ATC is advised; and the aircraft is recovered in VMC. The switch position is detected and corrected; but the reporter elects to divert and spend the night.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1239142 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201502 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | IMC |
| Light | Night |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C 210D |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | Direct |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Switch |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Single Pilot |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Private |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 24.4 Flight Crew Total 4020 Flight Crew Type 1966 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude Deviation - Procedural Clearance Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control |
Narrative:
VMC at 6000 requested climb to 8000. 8000 was IMC with temp. +1. Moved forward in seat to inspect wing leading edge for possible ice; negative. Panel went 'black' chelton panel dark; MX20 dark; GNS 480 dark; no autopilot; no transponder; no comm radio; headset noise cancelling off. Resulting panic. No transponder or comm but had an 'emergency'; needed time to assess; needed VMC. Began descent to 6000 exiting clouds in unusual attitude; corrected attitude; assessed situation after selecting 'nearest' airport. Found avionics master to be in off position. Turned on avionics master; significant reduction in panic but still disoriented and seeking to land safely to assess calmly what happened. With radio back 'online' called center to explain and declare emergency and accept assistance in navigating. Still uncertain what to trust with multiple yellow flags on chelton EFIS. Visual approach where I spent the night before resuming flight VMC next morning after analyzing what had happened.assessment: while moving seat forward and twisting to inspect wing leading edge for icing caused knuckle; kneeboard; watch or something to unknowingly depress avionics master to off position. Sudden roar in headset (thinking rapid decompression) black panel; thinking catastrophic failure leading to panic. Getting to VMC very helpful in rationalization of circumstances. Avionics master switch is recessed for protection from incidental switching but somehow must have hit it 'just right'! Have reviewed with recurrent trainer to incorporate in training scenario so others might recognize symptoms. I'll never forget!
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: A C210 pilot reports inadvertently switching off the avionics master switch while leaning forward to check the wing for ice. All panels go dark including COMMS (Communications) and autopilot. A descent is initiated; ATC is advised; and the aircraft is recovered in VMC. The switch position is detected and corrected; but the reporter elects to divert and spend the night.
Narrative: VMC at 6000 requested climb to 8000. 8000 was IMC with temp. +1. Moved forward in seat to inspect wing leading edge for possible ice; negative. Panel went 'black' Chelton panel dark; MX20 dark; GNS 480 dark; no autopilot; no transponder; no comm radio; headset noise cancelling off. Resulting panic. No transponder or comm but had an 'emergency'; needed time to assess; needed VMC. Began descent to 6000 exiting clouds in unusual attitude; corrected attitude; assessed situation after selecting 'nearest' airport. FOUND AVIONICS MASTER TO BE IN OFF POSITION. Turned on avionics master; significant reduction in panic but still disoriented and seeking to land safely to assess calmly what happened. With radio back 'online' called center to explain and declare emergency and accept assistance in navigating. Still uncertain what to trust with multiple yellow flags on Chelton EFIS. Visual approach where I spent the night before resuming flight VMC next morning after analyzing what had happened.Assessment: While moving seat forward and twisting to inspect wing leading edge for icing caused knuckle; kneeboard; watch or something to unknowingly depress avionics master to off position. Sudden roar in headset (thinking rapid decompression) black panel; thinking catastrophic failure leading to panic. Getting to VMC very helpful in rationalization of circumstances. Avionics master switch is recessed for protection from incidental switching but somehow must have hit it 'just right'! Have reviewed with recurrent trainer to incorporate in training scenario so others might recognize symptoms. I'll never forget!
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.