On September 24, 1990, a Cessna 310J (registration N3132L) operated by Cahrles Matson was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Spring, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Unmetered fuel pressure set too high at idle, resulting in rough running and engine stoppage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb, the left engine quit. The pilot conducted a gear-up landing in a field, coming to rest half a mile from the runway. Investigation found high unmetered fuel pressure at idle and a history of engine issues.
Incident Overview
While on initial climb, the left engine ceased operation. The pilot executed a gear-up landing in a field, and the aircraft came to rest one-half mile from the end of the runway.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed that the left propeller had not been feathered, while the right propeller showed evidence of having been feathered before impact. An engine run of the left engine determined that the unmetered fuel pressure was set too high at idle, which resulted in rough running and eventual engine stoppage.
Background
Records from the aircraft's left engine logbook indicated a history of hard starting, mixture-related problems, and rough running. The operator was aware of these faults and had instructed the pilot to start the left engine with the mixture lever retarded to near idle cutoff.
Probable cause
Unmetered fuel pressure set too high at idle, resulting in rough running and engine stoppage.