# NTSB MIA91FA058: Cessna 310, N4808B, New Smyrna Bch, FL, December 29, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 29, 1990, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: New Smyrna Bch, FL
- Coordinates: 29.020343, -80.919166 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0203&lon=-80.9192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32741
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA91FA058
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32741/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA058

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND/MECHANIC REVERSAL OF THE AILERON CONTROL CABLES ON THE SPROCKET DURING INSTALLATION. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL ON TAKEOFF, UNCONTROLLED DESCENT, AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - flight control,aileron - incorrect (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT/MECHANIC REVERSAL OF THE AILERON CONTROL CABLES ON THE LOWER AILERON SPROCKET DURING INSTALLATION RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL IN VFR CONDITIONS ON TAKEOFF, UNCONTROLLED DESCENT, AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY POST CRASH FIRE. THE PILOT/MECHANIC SUSTAINED SERIOUS THERMAL INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4808B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4808B-2012-11-27), registration cancelled 2012-11-27, S/N 35108, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 310
- Registry model: [Cessna 310](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-310) (registry code 2074202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 55108
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-B 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Skipper A. Gatlin
- Registered owner: Fred A. Johnson
- Airport: 34J, New Smyrna Beach Muni, runway 6, 4,235 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private, commercial, airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 8 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 19901229056439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901229056439A), Dec 29, 1990: Cessna 310, New Smyrna Beac, FL, Destroyed. Dragged a tip tank on liftoff causing a cartwheel crash and fire. Pilot mechanic installed aileron cables reversed.

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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