History of the Flight
On 30 March 2004, a Cessna T310R (registration N6834L) departed Leeds Bradford Airport at 0831 hrs for a private flight to Connaught (Knock), Ireland. The pilot was flying solo. Visibility was 4,000 metres with mist. Six and a half minutes after takeoff, the pilot requested to return due to a smell of smoke in the cockpit. He was cleared to return via Keighley at or below 2,000 feet. The controller noted the pilot sounded distracted. Radar showed the aircraft turn left, maintaining 3,400 feet until 0838:52 hrs, then primary radar contact was lost at 0839:26 hrs. No further radio transmissions were received.
Accident Sequence
A witness near the crash site saw a white light aircraft flying slowly and level, heading north-west, appearing 'not in trouble.' Seconds later, he heard a noise like machinery tumbling. The aircraft crashed in a field at 950 feet amsl, approximately 0.5 nm south-south-east of the last radar return. Ground impact marks were consistent with an uncontrolled impact, but the positions of some controls suggested the pilot may have been attempting a forced landing with a tailwind into a sloping field that might have appeared level from the air.
Investigation
Fire had originated in the nose baggage compartment, near the cabin heater, causing the smoke smell. Post-mortem examination concluded the pilot died from multiple injuries sustained at impact. Toxicology showed no drugs, alcohol, or cabin air contamination that could have been incapacitating. Weather included mist and haze with surface visibility of 4,000 metres. The pilot held a UK Private Pilot's Licence and an FAA Private Pilot's Certificate, but his UK rating had lapsed, rendering the FAA certificate invalid. He had 627 flight hours, with 403 on type. A Safety Recommendation was made to the FAA regarding inspection of combustion heaters.