N2230F

On March 14, 1999, approximately 1255 mountain standard time, a Cessna 310L, N2230F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing immediately after takeoff from Angel Fire Airport, Angel Fire, New Mexico. The airline transport rated pilot and his five passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated by a private individual under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country personal flight which was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, but the pilot reported that the planned destination was Denison, Texas.

The pilot reported that he had the fuel tanks topped-off, and he embarked five passengers with their baggage. He departed on runway 35, and noted that the midfield windsock was indicating a cross wind (ground personnel documented the wind at 270 degrees at 10 gusting to 20 knots). He reported that the airplane lifted off the runway and he immediately raised the landing gear. The pilot said he felt the airplane "settle a little," and he put the landing gear back down. The airplane touched the ground, and impacted a barb wire fence.

The elevation of the airport was 8,382 feet mean sea level (msl), and the density altitude was 9,419 feet msl. The airplane's certified maximum gross takeoff weight was 5,200 pounds, and the calculated actual takeoff weight was estimated at 5,459 pounds (see attached documents).

The airplane's manufacturer representative stated that raising or lowing the airplane's landing gear will reduce the climb performance by 100 to 200 feet per minute while the landing gear is cycling.