Accident Details
A private pilot, who had recently received his certification and accumulated a total of 55.2 hours of flight experience, was conducting his initial solo flight in a Cessna 310 model aircraft. His flight logbook had been endorsed for solo flight in that aircraft on November 20, 1987.
Witnesses reported observing a steep climbout after takeoff. The aircraft reached an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 feet MSL, at which point it rolled into an inverted attitude and executed a two-and-a-half turn spin to the left. Although the spin rotation was arrested, the aircraft subsequently crashed in a wooded area located 4 miles south of the airport.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed no evidence of control malfunction. Both engines were removed and run satisfactorily in a test cell after the accident. Examination of the propellers showed evidence of rotation at the time of impact.