History of Flight
On November 12, 2013, about 0945 central standard time, a Cessna T310R, N38LH, was destroyed after impacting terrain near Junction, Texas. A postimpact fire ensued. The non-instrument rated private pilot and his passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane departed Giddings-Lee County Airport around 0830 en route to Sonora Municipal Airport. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed. Witnesses at Texas Tech University heard the airplane; one briefly observed it before impact. Low clouds and fog hindered visual contact. The pilot did not communicate with ATC. Radar data was unavailable.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 39, held a private pilot certificate with single and multiengine ratings issued September 19, 2013. He had a third-class medical without limitations issued June 27, 2013. His logbook showed at least 410 total hours, 16 in multiengine airplanes (all in the accident make/model), and 3 hours of simulated instrument experience in a Cessna 172 in 2006. He completed multiengine training with American Flyers and passed a checkride on September 19, 2013.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna T310R (serial 310R1886), built 1980, was powered by two Teledyne Continental TSIO-520-EB engines with RAM conversions (300 hp each) and Hartzell 3-blade propellers. The pilot purchased the airplane in July 2013. Total airframe time at purchase was 3,986 hours; 769 hours since RAM conversion, 54 hours since cylinder installation. Maintenance records were not located; an annual inspection was completed January 2013.
Meteorological Information
Infrared satellite showed overcast clouds over the accident site with cloud tops around 9,500 ft msl. METAR at Kimble County Airport (KJCT) at 0851: wind 020° at 16 knots gusting 22, visibility 6 miles in mist, overcast 800 ft. At 0951: wind 040° at 9 knots, visibility 8 miles, overcast 800 ft. Destination airport METAR at 0935: wind 020° at 24 knots gusting 28, visibility 10 miles, overcast 800 ft. AIRMETs were active for turbulence and low ceilings/visibility. No weather briefing record was found.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was 1.3 nm southwest of Junction, in hilly, rocky, forested terrain at 2,000 ft msl. Debris distributed along a 121° heading. Initial impact at a cedar tree top at a 50-60° angle. A ground scar contained empennage debris. Main debris field extended 475 feet east. Components included right fuel tank, aileron, flap, wing pieces, left elevator, left aileron, left tip tank, fuselage fragments, nose landing gear, main landing gear, and both engines. All exhibited impact and fire damage.
Medical and Pathological Information
Autopsies for both occupants were performed on November 13, 2013. Cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological tests were negative for volatiles and drugs.
Tests and Research
The wreckage was moved to a storage facility. Due to impact and fire damage, control continuity could not be confirmed; separation points were consistent with overstress. Propeller blades showed bending, bowing, and scoring. Turbocharger blades were bent opposite rotation, indicating rotation at impact. Instruments were fragmented; vacuum system condition could not be determined.
Additional Information
The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and typically flew with a flight instructor or family member. On the accident day, the family member was unable to accompany him.