On November 20, 1984, a Cessna 310N (registration N31747) operated by J. B.hargrave was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, IN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A twin-engine aircraft stalled and impacted terrain during a forced landing. Witnesses observed the aircraft at tree-top level with wings wagging, and one reported hearing no engine sounds. The aircraft struck the ground nose-down near a highway.
Accident Details
A twin-engine aircraft experienced a stall and subsequent impact with terrain while conducting a forced landing. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at tree-top level, with its wings "wagging." One witness stated that no engine sounds were heard prior to the accident.
The aircraft impacted an open field in a near-vertical, nose-down attitude, approximately 100 feet south of a highway. Post-impact examination revealed that the landing gear was in the extended position, and the flaps were set near fully down. Both propellers were found in the feathered position, and no fuel was detected in the fuel system.
The circumstances of the forced landing and the absence of fuel in the system suggest a loss of engine power, leading to the stall and impact. The investigation is ongoing.