Casualties unknown

1982-02-25: Cessna 310Q (N1EJ) — Rare Air Inc. — Doylestown, PA

Doylestown, PA, US

On February 25, 1982, a Cessna 310Q (registration N1EJ) operated by Rare Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Doylestown, PA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During descent, ice accumulated on the windshield and wing leading edges. The pilot cleared a small viewing strip. Upon reducing power for flare/touchdown, the aircraft landed hard on all three wheels, causing the right wing to buckle and the tip tank to strike the runway, resulting in loss of directional control.

Incident Overview

During the descent phase of the flight, ice began to accumulate on the windshield and the leading edges of the wings. According to the pilot, the windshield became covered with 1/2 to 3/4 inch of ice. The pilot was able to clear a small strip on the windshield, which provided enough visibility to see outside.

Landing Sequence

As the pilot reduced power for the flare and touchdown, the aircraft experienced a hard landing on all three wheels. The impact caused the right wing outboard of the engine nacelle to buckle downward. The deformation continued until the right tip tank struck the runway surface and was dragged along the ground.

Loss of Control

Following the hard landing and wing damage, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The airplane continued to veer off course and eventually came to rest against the curb of an airport service road.

Conclusions

The investigation did not provide a probable cause for the incident. The sequence of events—ice accumulation, hard landing, structural damage, and loss of directional control—are described as reported by the pilot and observed at the scene.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02501. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.