# NTSB ATL86LMG01: Cessna 310R, N1771G, Rocky Mount, NC, September 30, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1985, 06:55 local (11:55 UTC)
- Place: Rocky Mount, NC
- Coordinates: 35.910018, -77.730377 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9100&lon=-77.7304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7209
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LMG01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7209/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LMG01

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - engine assembly - vibration (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - approach light/navaid
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN 150 FT SHORT OF RWY 04 AT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN-WILSON ARPT. THE ACFT CONTACTED TWO ROWS OF APCH LIGHTS AND A GROUND DROP OFF WHICH SHEARED ALL THREE LANDING GEARS. THE FLT DEPARTED WILSON MUNICIPAL ARPT AND UPON REACHING 3700 FT THE PLT REPORTED A VIBRATION WHICH CEASED UPON REDUCTION IN PWR. THE PLT REQUESTED A LANDING AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN-WILSON ARPT WHERE A MAINTENANCE FACILITY WAS AVAILABLE. UPON VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE ARPT, THE PLT REQUESTED AND WAS GRANTED A VISUAL APCH TO RWY 04. THE PLT STATED HE HAD VIEW OF THE APCH AND RWY LIGHTS INSIDE THE OUTER MARKER BUT ONCE INSIDE THE MIDDLE MARKER, THE RWY DISAPPEARED IN FOG. PWR WAS INCREASED FROM 15 TO 18 INCHES MP, HOWEVER, THE ACFT CONTACTED THE GROUND SHORT OF THE RWY.POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT AND ENGS FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1771G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1771G-2010-06-07), registration cancelled 2010-06-07, S/N 310R0040, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 310R
- Registry model: [Cessna 310R](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-310r) (registry code 2074245) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 310R0040
- Airframe hours: 15184
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-M 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Bobby Williamson
- Registered owner: Thermo King Of Wilson, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 18, 1985, 914 hours before
- Departed: W03, WILSON, NC
- Destination: GSP, GREER, SC
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: RWI, Rocky Mount/Wilson, runway 4, 5,999 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,460 total, 789 in this make and model, 1,420 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RWI, 2 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850930059099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850930059099A), Sep 30, 1985: Cessna 310R, Rocky Mount, NC, Substantial damage. Aircraft was landed short striking approach lights. Runway disappeared in ground fog. Landing gear torn off.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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