On October 17, 1993, a Cessna 310Q (registration N1972D) was involved in an aviation accident near Tiro, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, AND SUBSEQUENT FLIGHT THAT RESULTED IN THE STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE BEING EXCEEDED AND AIRFRAME FAILURE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a flight in light rain, a pilot reported being between cloud layers at 7,000 ft MSL. Shortly after, the aircraft entered a steep descent, lost contact with ATC, and was witnessed breaking up after crashing. Examination revealed overload failures but no preexisting mechanical issues. A medical examiner noted the pilot had coronary artery disease.
Incident Summary
A pilot reported being between cloud layers at an altitude of 7,000 feet MSL while flying in light rain. Shortly after this report, the aircraft entered a steep descent. Air traffic control lost both radar and radio contact with the aircraft.
Witness Accounts
One witness on the ground heard the sound of engines at high RPM growing louder as the aircraft approached. The sound ceased upon impact. Another witness observed the aircraft descending out of clouds and subsequently breaking apart.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the horizontal stabilizers and outboard wing sections had separated downward due to overload failure. No preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure was identified during the investigation.
Medical Information
A medical examiner from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology reviewed autopsy and toxicology information and reported that the pilot had coronary artery disease and was at risk of sudden incapacitation.