What happened
On October 21, 2008, at approximately 17:10 central daylight time, a Cessna 310, registration XB-KPF, experienced a loss of power shortly after departing from Pedro J. Mendez Airport in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The flight was en route to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
Following the loss of power, the pilot attempted to return to the airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft impacted level desert terrain located 45 degrees to the right of the departure end of the runway. The accident resulted in 5 fatal injuries, involving the pilot and four passengers.
The investigation
Technical advisers from Cessna Aircraft and Teledyne Continental Motors traveled to Ciudad Victoria to assist the DGAC investigation. Field inspections of the engines were conducted, which established engine continuity, cylinder compression, and exhaust. Investigators also checked the engagement of both magneto couplings and confirmed the harness spark to the top leads.
Both engines and propellers were scheduled to be shipped to their respective manufacturers for further examination. Additionally, the fuel boost pumps were sent to Cessna for analysis. The NTSB received a Garmin 396 handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) and the cockpit fuel indicator gauge for laboratory examination.