On May 3, 1992, a Cessna 310Q (registration N300DG) operated by Randall, Asa T. was involved in an aviation accident near Odessa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB ON ALL ENGINES FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. THIS RESULTED IN A FORCED LANDING, IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES, TERRAIN, AND POSTCRASH FIRE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot departed on a VFR flight with two passengers. After retracting landing gear, the airplane drifted left, failed to gain altitude, and collided with trees, resulting in a postcrash fire. Investigation found no evidence of engine power loss.
Accident Overview
A commercial pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in VFR conditions. No flight plan was filed. Witnesses observed the airplane climb to about 50-75 feet above ground level (AGL) when the landing gear was retracted. Shortly after, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway and did not appear to gain any additional altitude.
Sequence of Events
The airplane continued for approximately 3/4 of a mile off the departure end of the runway. It then disappeared below the tree line and collided with trees and the ground. A postcrash fire ensued. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured.
Investigation
An investigation was conducted, including an examination of the engines and propellers. The examination did not reveal evidence to explain a loss of engine power.