Introduction
On 18 December 2001 at 1530 UTC, a Cessna 310R (G-RODD), manufactured in 1976 and powered by two Continental Motors Corp IO-520-M engines, was involved in an accident at Marshland Airfield during a private flight. The sole pilot held a Private Pilots Licence and had 3,113 hours total flying experience, including 1,587 hours on type. The aircraft sustained damage to its nose landing gear and propeller; the pilot was uninjured.
Preflight and Events
Earlier that day, around midday, the pilot conducted a preflight check of the aircraft while it was still inside a hangar. Sometime later, airfield workers hand-towed the aircraft to the concrete apron in front of the hangar. It was parked with the nose wheel on the grass and, unusually, the towbar was left attached. When the pilot arrived, he placed his jacket inside the aircraft and continued with checks. While doing so, his mobile phone (which was in his jacket pocket) rang. He entered the aircraft to answer the call. The caller informed him that his intended flight was no longer necessary. Nevertheless, the pilot decided to start the engines and reposition the aircraft on the grass parking area, but then opted to get airborne and carry out a visual circuit.
Takeoff and Accident
The pilot remained in the aircraft, started the engines, and taxied a short distance to Runway 03 using power for directional control. During the takeoff roll at approximately 30 mph with full power applied, the aircraft began to swing to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the swing with rudder input, so he closed the throttles and applied right brake. The aircraft departed the runway, at which point the nose landing gear collapsed, and it came to a halt in an adjacent ploughed area.
Aftermath
The pilot, who was wearing a lap and diagonal upper torso restraint, escaped without injury. The accident investigation revealed that the pilot had not completed his external check when he entered the aircraft to answer the mobile phone and had not noticed that the towbar was still attached.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the investigation report.