At about 1530 eastern time, a Cessna 310 crashed shortly after takeoff from Merritt Island Airport. The pilot was killed. Witnesses at the airport said the pilot started the No. 2 engine first and that it was missing, sputtering, and back firing. The pilot then started the No. 1 engine, and performed engine runups with either one or both engines making the same loud missing, sputtering and backfiring noises. Despite the noises, the pilot proceeded to take off on runway 11, with one or both engines making unusual noises. One witness said he noticed the right propeller stop turning and saw the airplane banking toward the dead engine. The airplane crashed into a swamp about a half mile southeast of the airport.
October 22, Cocoa, Fla. / Cessna 310
At about 1530 eastern time, a Cessna 310 crashed shortly after takeoff from Merritt Island Airport. The pilot was killed. Witnesses at the airport said the pilot started the No. 2 engine first and that it was missing, sputtering, and back firing. The pilot then started the No. 1 engine, and performed engine runups with either one or both engines making the same loud missing, sputtering and backfiring noises. Despite the noises, the pilot proceeded to take off on runway 11, with one or both engines making unusual noises. One witness said he noticed the right propeller stop turning and saw the airplane banking toward the dead engine. The airplane crashed into a swamp about a half mile so...
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna 310 crashed shortly after takeoff from Merritt Island Airport, resulting in the pilot's death.
- Witnesses observed significant engine problems, including missing, sputtering, and backfiring, from one or both engines during startup and runup.
- Despite audible engine malfunctions, the pilot proceeded with takeoff, and one engine subsequently stopped turning during the initial climb, leading to the crash.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
