# NTSB FTW00LA069: Cessna 310Q, N310GG, Spring Branch, TX, January 20, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 20, 2000, 12:26 local (18:26 UTC)
- Place: Spring Branch, TX
- Coordinates: 29.859737, -98.40081 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8597&lon=-98.4008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 2, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 49365
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW00LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49365/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA069

## Probable cause

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff.  A factor was the open cabin door.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - roll/run
  - door - open (contributing factor)
- Overrun, takeoff - aborted
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, at 82 knots, the cabin door opened.  He attempted to close the door, but was unsuccessful, and then elected to abort the takeoff with approximately 200 yards of runway remaining.  The airplane skidded off of the departure end of the runway, and the nose gear collapsed as the airplane impacted a ditch.

## Factual narrative

On January 20, 2000, at 1226 central standard time, a Cessna 310Q twin-engine airplane, N310GG, was substantially damaged when it impacted a ditch and a fence during an aborted takeoff at the Kestral Airpark, Spring Branch, Texas.  The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Harlingen, Texas.

In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, at 82 knots, the cabin door opened.  He attempted to close the door, but was unsuccessful, and elected to abort the takeoff with approximately 200 yards of runway remaining.  The airplane skidded off of the departure end of the runway, and the nose gear collapsed as the airplane impacted a ditch.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, stated that there were tire skid marks on the last 250 feet of runway, where the pilot applied heavy breaking.  He added that the airplane sustained structural damage to the right wing, left main landing gear, and propellers.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N310GG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N310GG-2003-01-27), registration cancelled 2003-01-27, S/N 310Q0938, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 310Q
- Registry model: [Cessna 310Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-310q) (registry code 2074242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 310Q0938
- Airframe hours: 3563
- Engines: Continental IO-470-VO 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ron A. Sprague
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1999, 94 hours before
- Departed: 1T7
- Destination: HRL, HARLINGEN, TX
- Airport: 1T7, Kestrel Airpark, runway 30, 3,050 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,511 total, 470 in this make and model, 1,511 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 14 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAT, 25 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 20000120000469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000120000469A), Jan 20, 2000: Cessna 310Q, San Antonio, TX, Substantial damage. (.19) On January 20, 2000, at 1226 central standard time, a Cessna 310Q twin-engine airplane, N310GG, was substantially damaged when it impacted a ditch and a…

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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