On August 17, 2005, a Cessna 310R (registration N2631E) was involved in an aviation accident near Apopka, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout and object clearance, which resulted in the in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane collided with power lines and the ground, bursting into flames near the 9th hole of a golf course. Wreckage showed flaps at 10 degrees and landing gear retracted; no mechanical issues were reported by the pilot or found post-accident.
Incident Overview
Local residents observed the airplane flying above the tree tops and believed it was attempting to land on a nearby golf course. As the flight continued, the airplane collided with power lines and subsequently struck the ground, bursting into flames near the golf course's 9th hole.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the wing flaps were set at 10 degrees and the landing gear were in the retracted position. Review of Air Traffic Control transcripts indicated that the pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane during the flight. Additionally, the thorough post-accident examination of the airplane failed to disclose any mechanical malfunction or component failure.