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NTSB Report
May 14, 1985 · Cessna 310F · N5838X
Marfa, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 14, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Marfa, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 310F
Tail Number
N5838X
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW85FA224
THE PLT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL PWR LOSS FROM THE RIGHT ENG DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB AND IN HIS HASTE TO CIRCLE BACK AND LAND DID NOT ALLOW THE ACFT TO GAIN ALT. HE THEN FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AND AS A RESULT, LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND STALLED WITHOUT SUFFICIENT ALT TO AFFECT RECOVERY BEFORE GROUND IMPACT. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT DISCLOSED SEVERAL DISCEPANCIES. 1) THE INDUCTION AIR FILTER WAS CLOGGED WITH DIRT/DEBRIS, 2) THE AUTOMATIC AIR DOOR HINGE WAS BROKEN PREVENTING THE DOOR FROM REMAINING CLOSED AND 3) THE AUTOMATIC AIR DOOR HINGE BEHIND THE MANUAL ALTERNATE AIR BUTTERFLY WAS BROKEN. THE SPARK PLUGS ON THE RIGHT ENG WERE CARBON FOULED.
Full Narrative
THE PLT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL PWR LOSS FROM THE RIGHT ENG DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB AND IN HIS HASTE TO CIRCLE BACK AND LAND DID NOT ALLOW THE ACFT TO GAIN ALT. HE THEN FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AND AS A RESULT, LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND STALLED WITHOUT SUFFICIENT ALT TO AFFECT RECOVERY BEFORE GROUND IMPACT. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT DISCLOSED SEVERAL DISCEPANCIES. 1) THE INDUCTION AIR FILTER WAS CLOGGED WITH DIRT/DEBRIS, 2) THE AUTOMATIC AIR DOOR HINGE WAS BROKEN PREVENTING THE DOOR FROM REMAINING CLOSED AND 3) THE AUTOMATIC AIR DOOR HINGE BEHIND THE MANUAL ALTERNATE AIR BUTTERFLY WAS BROKEN. THE SPARK PLUGS ON THE RIGHT ENG WERE CARBON FOULED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:10 CDT
Nearest AirportMarfa Muni (0nm NE)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 310F
Tail NumberN5838X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-D · Reciprocating · 260
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:10
Weather SourceWFAC