On March 11, 1992, a Cessna 310R (registration N1328G) operated by Hobbs W. Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Superior, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/SPIN, AND FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO TAKE SUFFICIENT REMEDIAL ACTION TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A multi-engine instrument training flight with a commercial pilot and CFII crashed 1.6 miles southeast of Richard I Bong Airport. A witness saw the aircraft spinning before impact. Wreckage showed no mechanical defects; flaps and landing gear were extended.
Overview
A commercial pilot rated student and an instrument instructor pilot (CFII) conducted an instrument training flight to Duluth for practice approaches before returning to their home base at Superior. The CFII was providing multi-engine instrument instruction to the commercial pilot in preparation for testing to remove a VFR-only restriction from his multi-engine rating. A multi-engine instrument flight check with a designated pilot examiner was tentatively scheduled for late that afternoon after the instructional period.
Sequence of Events
After the crew returned to the Superior area, FBO personnel reported hearing them make airport traffic advisories while executing approaches at Richard I Bong Airport. The aircraft subsequently crashed approximately 1.6 miles southeast of the airport. A motor vehicle driver observed the airplane spinning as it disappeared from view behind a tree line. The ground impact occurred in a steep descent.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage disclosed no mechanical defects. The landing gear and flaps were found extended, as if configured for an approach.