# NTSB LAX98LA101: Cessna 310C, N608G, Lancaster, CA, March 2, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 2, 1998, 12:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Lancaster, CA - Coordinates: 34.719478, -118.479919 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7195&lon=-118.4799&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 30041 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX98LA101 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30041/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA101 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper use of the mixture controls. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, takeoff - initial climb - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot attempted takeoff with the mixture controls in an intermediate lean position. The right engine stopped running approximately 300 feet agl, and the pilot elected to land straight ahead rather than attempt a single engine return for landing. When asked about the lean mixture setting for takeoff, the pilot stated that her mechanic had told her to do it that way. ## Factual narrative On March 2, 1998, at 1230 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 310C, N608G, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following takeoff from the William J. Fox Airport, Lancaster, California. There were minor injuries to the commercial pilot and one passenger and no damage to ground structures or surrounding terrain. The pilot stated to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that after the right engine stopped at an altitude of approximately 300 feet agl, the decision was made to land straight ahead with the gear down rather than attempt a single engine closed traffic pattern. Upon examination of the aircraft cockpit following the forced landing, the FAA inspector found both mixture controls in an intermediate lean position. When he interviewed the pilot as to why that position was used for takeoff, she stated that her aircraft mechanic had told her to do it that way. No other airframe discrepancies were noted and the aircraft had been refueled prior to takeoff. An examination of the aircraft engines was conducted and no evidence of mechanical malfunction was found in either engine. Both rotated freely, had thumb compression on all cylinders with corresponding valve action, and ignition was verified to all sparkplugs. There was no contamination found in the fuel systems and the engine oil was clear for both. The spline drive on the right engine driven fuel pump was found partially severed and there was rust on the inside of the pump housing. However, the pump was flow tested using an electric drill to turn it and it pumped a solid stream of fuel with no cavitation bubbles visible. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N608G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N608G-2013-08-20), registration cancelled 2013-08-20, S/N 35941, 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: 35941 - Airframe hours: 6128 - Engines: Continental IO-470-D 240 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Anna M. Hagen - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, February 4, 1998, 3 hours before - Departed: WJF - Destination: L15, HENDERSON, NV - Airport: WJF, William J. Fox, runway 24, 5,001 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 625 total, 435 in this make and model, 565 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 5 knots - Visibility: 40 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: WJF, 1 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 19980302002299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980302002299A), Mar 2, 1998: Cessna 310C, Lancaster, CA, Substantial damage. The pilot attempted takeoff with the mixture controls in an intermediate lean position. The right engine stopped running approximately 300 feet AGL, and the… ## Other investigations on N608G (1) 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. - [NTSB OAK65F0026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK65F0026), Mar 4, 1965: Cessna 310C (N608G), Palo Alto, CA, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.