It was a Cessna 340A model and I was the PIC. A sleek, powerful and very cool looking twin-engine airplane, the 340A is powered by two Continental 310-horsepower engines. Regarded as a “pilot’s airplane,” it has good performance characteristics (airspeed and rate of climb) as reflected by a power loading of 10.48 pounds per horsepower, a large useful load of 2,122 pounds, a pressurized cabin, and good range of approximately 900 nm. I jumped at the opportunity to be in command of this excellent airplane.
It was a hot and humid July afternoon in Florida. I was preparing to take off from Miami/Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport (TMB) en route to Ocala International-Jim Taylor Field (OCF) with two acquaintances; it was a Part 91 flight. Prior to takeoff, I thoroughly reviewed pertinent weather data, obtained a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan. The briefer stated the weather was fairly clear north of the Miami area. There were no frontal systems north of the airport or throughout Florida, only scattered thunderstorm cells along the route. He also stated there was a slow-moving thunderstorm 35 miles off the east coast of Miami and moving westward. He noted if I departed within the hour I would safely miss the thunderstorm. I acknowledged I would be taking off with two passengers in about 15 minutes.
