On May 4, 1996, a Cessna 310D (registration N6780T) operated by Prism Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Los Angeles, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were clouds and dark night light conditions, and the pilot's diverted attention due to a landing gear problem. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night landing, the pilot initiated a go-around due to an unsafe gear indication. The airplane climbed into clouds, was observed descending nose-down, and impacted the ocean about 3 miles west of the airport. No mechanical failure was found.
Go-Around Initiated
During a night landing attempt, the pilot elected to perform a go-around after receiving an unsafe gear indication. The air traffic controller inquired if the pilot needed assistance, to which the pilot responded, "we're going to find the error."
Climb and Descent
The airplane climbed into a cloud layer. It was later observed descending out of the clouds in a nose-down attitude.
Impact and Investigation
The airplane impacted the ocean approximately 3 miles west of the airport. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane.
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