Casualties unknown

1986-12-31: Cessna 310 (N5462J) — Buffalo Express Airlines — Hamburg, NY

Hamburg, NY, US

On December 31, 1986, a Cessna 310 (registration N5462J) operated by Buffalo Express Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Hamburg, NY. 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 310R departed under SVFR, cancelled clearance, and reported VFR but never arrived. Radar showed heading toward Lake Erie. Debris including tip tank part and top cowl was recovered; cause unknown.

Departure and Clearance

The Cessna 310R departed the airport on a Special VFR (SVFR) departure. The pilot cancelled the clearance a few minutes later and reported that the aircraft was operating in VFR conditions.

Flight Path

The aircraft failed to arrive at its planned destination. Radar tracking data indicated the aircraft was heading toward Lake Erie.

Debris Recovery

The following day, debris was found on the lake surface. Items included an oil slick, a small piece of aluminum later identified as part of a tip tank, and a curtain. A few days later, a larger piece of aluminum identified as the top cowl of a Cessna 310 was recovered on the Canadian side of Lake Erie.

Identification

The operator identified the recovered parts as being painted like the missing aircraft and confirmed the curtains were identical to those installed in the aircraft.

Investigation Status

No major wreckage or serialized components have been located. The reason for the aircraft not arriving at its destination is unknown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35423. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.