Casualties unknown

1982-07-02: Cessna T310P (N303TC) — Donald V. Long — Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX, US

On July 2, 1982, a Cessna T310P (registration N303TC) operated by Donald V. Long was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both fuel selectors were positioned to the auxiliary tanks, which were empty. 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 a touch-and-go landing, the aircraft's left engine lost power. The crew performed a wheels-up landing after crossing trees. Investigation found both fuel selectors on empty auxiliary tanks.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft owner, who had not flown for one year, was accompanied by a flight instructor on an instructional flight intended to prepare the owner for a flight review. After approximately one hour of flight, they returned to the airport and began practicing landings. Following the second landing, which was a touch-and-go, the left engine lost power shortly after takeoff. The loss occurred too late to abort and land on the remaining runway.

A witness observed the aircraft yawing at about 150 feet and noted that the aircraft's sound was not audible over other ambient noise. According to the witness, the aircraft entered a descent with the propellers still rotating. The aircrew reported that the right engine seemed to lose power as the glide became steeper. The aircraft crossed over trees and executed a wheels-up landing.

Investigation Findings

An investigation revealed that both fuel selectors were positioned to the auxiliary tanks, and both auxiliary tanks were empty. Both pilots stated that no attempt was made to change the fuel selector positions after the loss of power. The aircraft was disabled during the landing, though the extent of damage was not specified in the report.

Probable cause

Both fuel selectors were positioned to the auxiliary tanks, which were empty.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.