Flight Details
The aircraft was for sale, and the pilot, representing himself as qualified to fly it, was performing a pre-purchase flight. He reported that he initially felt uncomfortable flying this aircraft, although he had previously owned a Cessna 310. He was unfamiliar with the location of some of the aircraft's switches and stated that it was dark inside the cockpit.
Accident Sequence
During a steep turn to base, the engines sputtered. Runway 24 was NOTAMed closed, and the runway lights were inoperative. The pilot stated that when he heard the engines sputter, he became confused and anxious. He said, 'I got antsy pants, did a 360 degree turn, and crashed.' The aircraft impacted hard on the unlighted taxiway paralleling Runway 24 in a near wings-level attitude.
Investigation Findings
The landing gear was found in the fully retracted position. The student had not been endorsed to solo in a Cessna 310. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.