Incident Overview
While in cruise flight, the airplane's left engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot decided to perform a single-engine landing at the nearest airport, selecting runway 02.
Sequence of Events
During the landing flare, a gust of wind forced the left wing downward, causing it to strike the runway. The airplane then continued off the left side of the runway and came to rest in a grass area.
Weather and Wind Conditions
The wind reported by an air traffic controller from an airport 30 miles to the southwest was from 330 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 22 knots. That airport had six runways, one of which was oriented on a heading of 340 degrees.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the alternate air valve had broken off and was found embedded in the fuel injector servo.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported 5,117 hours of total flight experience, with 10 hours in make and model and 38 hours of multi-engine flight experience.
Checklist Reference
According to the Cessna 310H Pilot Operating Handbook, the last item under the Engine Failure During Flight Checklist was to land at the nearest suitable airport.