On July 12, 1986, a Cessna 320C (registration N3030T) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, UT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed immediately on level terrain after discovering the right engine was not running and the left engine failed to respond normally during final approach. Post-accident examination revealed the right engine had been operated with an excessively rich mixture.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, while on the downwind leg of the approach to land, he moved the mixture controls to full rich and reduced the throttle settings. During the final approach, when he advanced the throttles, he realized that the right engine was not operating and the left engine did not respond normally. The pilot decided to land immediately and set the aircraft down on level terrain.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the right engine disclosed evidence that it had been operated with an excessively rich mixture. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 9,819 feet above mean sea level.
Remarks
The pilot's prompt decision to land on level terrain resulted in a successful outcome despite the engine issues. No other factors were reported in the investigation.