Cessna 310R Accident During Visual Approach (N5CX)

Incident Overview and Flight Conditions The aircraft was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at 4,000 feet when it encountered occasional light rime ice in the clouds. The pilot activated the anti-ice and deicing systems. During descent, the pilot reported visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and confirmed the aircraft was clean of ice. The pilot then planned a visual approach to the runway, executing a short field approach and landing in anticipation of potentially slick runway conditions. On final approach, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of lift at 85 knots. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain approximately 50 feet short of the runway. The pilot reported receiving no visual or aural indications of an impending stall prior to the impact. ## Aircraft Performance Data The Cessna 310R Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies a minimum multi-engine approach speed of 93 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) at a gross weight of 5,400 pounds. This speed decreases by approximately four knots for each 400-pound reduction in gross weight. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's gross weight was approximately 5,218 pounds.