Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor was the open cabin door.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On January 20, 2000, at 1226 central standard time, a Cessna 310Q twin-engine airplane, N310GG, was substantially damaged when it impacted a ditch and a fence during an aborted takeoff at the Kestral Airpark, Spring Branch, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Harlingen, Texas.
In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, at 82 knots, the cabin door opened. He attempted to close the door, but was unsuccessful, and elected to abort the takeoff with approximately 200 yards of runway remaining. The airplane skidded off of the departure end of the runway, and the nose gear collapsed as the airplane impacted a ditch.
The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, stated that there were tire skid marks on the last 250 feet of runway, where the pilot applied heavy breaking. He added that the airplane sustained structural damage to the right wing, left main landing gear, and propellers.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW00LA069