Rowing function with a fatal Cessna 310 crash suspected

A suspected rudder misalignment may have contributed to the crash of a Cessna 310r near Boca Raton, Florida, in which all three people on board on April 11 were killed in accordance with the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The aircraft, which was operated under Part 91 for a personal flight, had just left Boca Raton (KBCT) Airport on the way to Tallahasee International Airport. It was the first flight after his annual inspection.

The airport monitoring video showed that the plane lifts normally before letting left left and entering a continuous left curve. Witness videos and preliminary ADS-B data confirmed that the aircraft has completed several links 360-degree curves at a low height. The audio of air traffic control recorded a pilot that reported a problem with the helm and said they could only turn left.

The plane hit trees in a street median before it came onto the floor and broke apart near the railway rails. The debris was consumed by a fire after the impact.

The initial examination of the wreck showed that the rowing cables were missing due to a voltage overload and the rudder equipment was set to a significant left input. Other control systems were damaged in an impact, but showed no signs of existing failure. Both engines worked before the crash, and the propeller leaves showed signs of rotation and effects. While other flight control components were damaged in the crash, they seemed largely intact.

The investigation remains.