# NTSB FTW83LA021: Cessna 310C, N1739H, Bastrop, LA, October 24, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1982, 00:30 local (05:30 UTC)
- Place: Bastrop, LA
- Coordinates: 32.529552, -92.629417 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5296&lon=-92.6294&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69884
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69884/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA021

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - gear extension - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - wrong engine shutdown - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - mental performance overload, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Undershoot, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PREPARING FOR AN ENROUTE LANDING WHEN HE GOT AN UNSAFE GEAR LIGHT. WHILE TROUBLE-SHOOTING, THE LEFT ENGINE STOPPED. HE FEATHERED THE LEFT ENGINE AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE RIGHT ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT FAILED TO REACH THERUNWAY DURING THE POWER OFF APPROACH AND LANDED 300 YARDS SHORT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LEFT FEATHER LEVER WAS IN FEATHER POSITION BUT THROTTLE AND MIXTURE WERE ON. THE RIGHT PROP WAS NOT FEATHERED BUT THE THROTTLE WAS CLOSED AND THE MIXTURE WAS OFF AS IF THE ENGINE HAD BEEN SHUT DOWN. THE PILOT STATED HE DID NOT MOVE ANY CONTROLS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. IT IS BELIEVED THE LEFT ENGINE QUIT BECAUSE OF FUEL EXHAUSTION SINCE THE AIRCRAFT HAD FLOWN TO THE LIMITS OF ITS FUEL RANGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1739H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1739H-2013-07-30), registration cancelled 2013-07-30, S/N 35839, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 310C
- Registry model: [Cessna 310C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-310c) (registry code 2074210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 35839
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: John B. Clifton
- Registered owner: John B. Clifton
- Departed: C, EL PASO, TX
- Destination: C, BASTROP, LA
- Airport: Morehouse Mem.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 10° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 106 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19821024055039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821024055039A), Oct 24, 1982: Cessna 310C, Bastrop, LA, Destroyed. Nose gear problem and left engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. Shut down right engine in error. Crash landed short.

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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