Casualties unknown

1982-07-05: Cessna 310I (N8818N) — Richard C. Torrey — Denver, CO

Denver, CO, US

On July 5, 1982, a Cessna 310I (registration N8818N) operated by Richard C. Torrey was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. 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

A Cessna 310 experienced a right engine failure while approaching Denver. After switching to tower frequency, the pilot executed a go-around following a controller suggestion, but the aircraft stalled during the single-engine maneuver.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying a Cessna 310 arrived in the Denver area and penetrated 15 miles into the Terminal Control Area (TCA) before being radar identified. The approach controller instructed the pilot to contact the tower by telephone after landing. After switching to the tower frequency, the pilot modified a right base approach to Runway 8L into a downwind leg due to departing traffic.

Approach and Engine Failure

The pilot notified the tower of a right engine failure. Although cleared to land on Runway 8L, the pilot instead made a final approach to Runway 8R. While in position to land on Runway 8R, an aircraft on the runway volunteered to clear the runway but was told not to by the local controller. After the Cessna 310 cleared the aircraft on the runway, at about 400 feet above the runway, the right engine feathered with the landing gear down. Approximately 8,000 feet of runway remained.

Go-Around and Stall

The supervisor controller suggested that the pilot make a right turn and come back around again, to which the pilot complied. After completing three-quarters of this single-engine go-around into the dead engine, the pilot was asked to extend the landing gear, at which time the aircraft stalled. Neither controller was pilot-rated. At no time prior to the go-around were all runways, taxiways, or grass areas made available to the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03108. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.