Casualties unknown

1989-05-03: Cessna 310C (N1798H) — Mason, Richard I. — Jackson, CA

Jackson, CA, US

On May 3, 1989, a Cessna 310C (registration N1798H) operated by Mason, Richard I. was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (PILOT IN COMMAND) TO REJECT THE TAKEOFF AFTER THE LOSS OF POWER ON ONE ENGINE WHEN SUFFICIENT RUNWAY REMAINED TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT. 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

During a multi-engine training takeoff, the right engine failed at low speed. The instructor continued the takeoff, lost control, and landed in a field. No mechanical reason was found for the engine failure.

Accident Overview

The aircraft owner was undergoing multi-engine training for a class rating. According to the student, the certified flight instructor (CFI) instructed him not to use the auxiliary electric fuel pumps during takeoff, a procedure that contradicted the flight manual.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff ground roll, the student reported that the right engine quit at a speed just below rotation. The aircraft was approximately halfway down the 3,400-foot runway at that time. The CFI assumed control of the aircraft and continued the takeoff. Subsequently, the CFI lost control of the aircraft and landed in a field off the departure end of the runway.

Aircraft Performance Data

The flight manual specifies Vmc (minimum control speed) as 82 mph and Vyse (best single-engine rate of climb speed) as 109 mph. The takeoff and landing ground roll distance charts in the flight manual state that 960 feet is required to accelerate to 86 mph, and 650 feet is required to decelerate from that speed.

Examination Findings

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right propeller was not feathered. No reason was found for the right engine power loss.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28341. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.