On January 24, 1987, a Cessna 310P (registration N5814M) was involved in an aviation accident near Memphis, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during the approach phase, as evidenced by the uncontrolled descent and nose-low impact attitude, with no mechanical malfunction found. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft reported an engine problem near the outer marker for runway 31 before impacting the ground in an uncontrolled descent. Investigation found no mechanical failure, with wreckage destroyed by impact forces and fire.
What happened
The pilot reported experiencing an engine problem while inside the outer marker on approach to runway 31. Shortly after this report, the aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude. A witness located at the airport observed the aircraft falling from the bottom of a cloud in what was described as an uncontrolled descent.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage failed to disclose any system malfunction or failure that would account for the loss of power. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire, which complicated the mechanical analysis but did not reveal evidence of pre-impact engine failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during the approach phase, as evidenced by the uncontrolled descent and nose-low impact attitude, with no mechanical malfunction found.