# NTSB NYC83FA207: Cessna 310Q, N69JM, Scranton, PA, August 12, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1983, 15:53 local (19:53 UTC)
- Place: Scranton, PA
- Coordinates: 41.410316, -75.669311 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4103&lon=-75.6693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35071
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83FA207
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35071/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83FA207

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, climb - to cruise
  - ignition system,magneto - improper (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - shorted (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - failure,total (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ACFT WS OBSERVED ON RADAR MAKING A LEFT 360 DEG TURN. THE PLT DID NOT RESPOND TO A CALL FROM THE CONTROLLER. A WITNESS HEARD THE PLANE 'SPUTTERING' & OBSERVED IT IN ERRATIC MANEUVERS PRIOR TO IT HITTING A HOUSE. POST EXAM REVEALED THAT THE LEFT ENG'S LEFT MAGNETO DID NOT PRODUCE ANY SPARK DURING IT'S FUNCTIONAL CHECK. UPON DIS- ASSEMBLY THE CONDENSER WIRE SHIELDING WAS FOUND PARTIALLY CUT & HAD SHORTED ON THE MAGNETO DRIVE. THIS WAS DETERMINED TOHAVE BEEN THE RESULT OF IMPROPER ROUTING THAT EXPOSED THE WIRE TO THE MAGNETO DRIVE. THE ACFT & ENGS HAD AN ANNUAL INSPECTION COMPLETED 8/10/83.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N69JM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N69JM-2013-05-02), registration cancelled 2013-05-02, S/N 310Q0095, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 310Q
- Registry model: [Cessna 310Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-310q) (registry code 2074242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 310Q-0095
- Airframe hours: 1707
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-V09 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Justin R. Moravek
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1983, 1 hours before
- Departed: AVP
- Destination: ABE, ALLENTOWN, PA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AVP, 3 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 19830812040719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830812040719A), Aug 12, 1983: Cessna 310Q, Wilkes Barre Sc, PA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Just out of annual lost power left engine on climbout. Below VMC. Rolled hit residence. Improper mag installation.

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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