Casualties unknown

1982-07-09: Cessna 310 (N7745Q) — Seward Peninsula Flying Svc — Elim, AK

Elim, AK, US

On July 9, 1982, a Cessna 310 (registration N7745Q) operated by Seward Peninsula Flying Svc was involved in an aviation accident near Elim, AK. 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 takeoff, a fuel flow needle split led to a right swerve. The pilot aborted, but the aircraft ran off the end of a heavily rutted runway. Throttle friction was minimal.

Incident Summary

During the takeoff roll at visual meteorological conditions, the pilot observed that the right engine fuel flow needle had split away from the left engine fuel flow needle. Simultaneously, the aircraft began to swerve to the right. In response, the pilot aborted the takeoff. However, the aircraft continued and ran off the end of the runway before coming to a stop.

Pilot Observations

The pilot reported that the runway was heavily rutted. For approximately three-quarters of the runway length, the aircraft had to be operated on the left side to avoid the ruts. The pilot noticed the fuel flow needle split just prior to the swerve and described the takeoff as being at VMC.

Runway Conditions

The runway surface was described as heavily rutted, which necessitated using the left side of the runway for most of the takeoff roll. This condition may have affected directional control during the abort, though no causal relationship was established.

Engine Control Settings

The engine control friction was adjusted such that the throttles moved with minimal effort. The pilot stated that he typically uses little friction on the engine controls, indicating a personal preference for low resistance. No further details regarding the engine control settings were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02651. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.