Overview
On October 21, 2008, at approximately 1710 central daylight time, a Cessna 310 aircraft, Mexican registration XB-KPF, experienced a loss of power during takeoff from Pedro J. Mendez Airport in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but the aircraft impacted level desert terrain approximately 45 degrees to the right of the departure end of the runway. The pilot and the four passengers sustained fatal injuries. The flight was destined for Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Investigation
Technical advisers from Cessna Aircraft and Teledyne Continental Motors traveled to Ciudad Victoria to assist in the investigation conducted by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) of Mexico. On-site field inspections of the engines were performed. Engine continuity was established, and compression and exhaust were confirmed for all cylinders. Both magneto couplings were checked for engagement, and harness spark to the top leads was verified. Both engines and propellers are being shipped to their respective manufacturers for further examination. The fuel boost pumps are being shipped to Cessna for further examination. Additionally, a Garmin 396 handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) and the cockpit fuel indicator gauge are being sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) laboratory for analysis.
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Mexico. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Government of Mexico.