# NTSB MKC87FA015: Cessna 310Q, N510SU, Liberal, KS, November 6, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 5, 1986, 21:00 local (Nov 6, 1986, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: Liberal, KS
- Coordinates: 37.03984, -100.93058 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0398&lon=-100.9306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34269
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87FA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34269/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA015

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground
  - pull-up - not performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN JUST OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF RWY 17 AT LIBERAL, KS, WHILE ON A RETURN FLT TO TEXAS. DARK NIGHT CONDITONS PREVAILED AND NO HORIZON VISUAL CUE WERE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. RELIANCE ON FLT ATTITUDE INSTRUMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN NORMAL DEPARTURE ATTITUDES. EXAM OF THE ACFT FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURE OF THE ENGS, AIRFRAME, FLT CONTROLS, OR FLT ATTITUDE INSTRUMENTS. THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. NO RECORDS WERE AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE HIS FLIGHT TIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N510SU](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N510SU-1991-08-15), registration cancelled 1991-08-15, S/N 310Q0401 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 310Q
- Registry model: [Cessna 310Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-310q) (registry code 2074242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0401
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-E 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Independent Druggist Dist. Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 25, 1986
- Departed: LBL, LIBERAL, KS
- Destination: PERRYTON, TX
- Airport: LBL, Liberal Muni, runway 17, 7,100 × 150 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 210° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBL, 5 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 19861105058939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861105058939A), Nov 5, 1986: Cessna STC310, Liberal, KS, Destroyed. The aircraft nosed into the ground on takeoff. No mechanical problems found. Pilot had serious financial problems.

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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