On September 2, 1991, a Cessna 310F (registration N6788X) operated by John R. Niendorf was involved in an aviation accident near Corvallis, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DISCONNECTED AIR INDUCTION LINE, AND THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT DECISION TO EXECUTE A 180 DEGREE TURN BACK TO THE AIRPORT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following takeoff, a Cessna 310 pilot experienced loss of climb performance. Unable to determine affected engine, he returned and executed a forced landing. The right main gear separated crossing a ditch. Investigation revealed a disconnected air induction line on the left engine.
Event
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot of a Cessna 310 experienced a loss of climb performance. Unable to identify which engine was malfunctioning, he decided to return to the departure airport. During the turn back, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn. Unable to maintain altitude, he performed a forced landing in an open field. As the aircraft crossed a ditch, the right main landing gear separated from the airframe.
Investigation
A subsequent test run of the left engine revealed a disconnected air induction line. This resulted in degraded engine performance when operating above 60% power. Examination of the right engine propeller blades showed aftward tip curl and polishing, indicating that the engine was producing power at the time of impact or during the forced landing.
Pilot Background
The pilot reported a total of 35 hours of multi-engine flight time, of which only 3 hours were in the Cessna 310. He had not flown a Cessna 310 within the previous 90 days prior to the accident.