After The Airplane Crossed The Runway Threshold, The Flight Track Data Showed The Flight Path Shift To The Right

Location: Ennis, TX Accident Number: CEN23FA173
Date & Time: May 6, 2023, 15:22 Local Registration: N6798T
Aircraft: Cessna 310D Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 6, 2023, at 1522 central daylight time, a Cessna 310D, N6798T, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Ennis, Texas. The pilot and front seat passenger were seriously injured, and the backseat passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane departed David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH), Houston, Texas, at 1424 and proceeded to Ennis Municipal Airport (F41) and arrived at 1522. ADS-B data also revealed that the airplane began a descent on final approach for runway 16 at F41.  After the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the flight track data showed the flight path shift to the right and the airplane began to climb on runway heading. The track data then showed the airplane veer to right.

The airplane impacted cedar trees and terrain about 1,300 feet southwest of the center of the runway. The impact path was on a southwest course, about 234° heading. A ground impact mark was located about halfway between the initial tree strike and the main wreckage and was consistent with the right wing and right engine impacting the ground first. 

The airplane came to rest upright with the forward fuselage oriented on a southeast heading. The left and right wingtips were separate from the main wreckage. Most of the left wing, instrument panel, and forward and aft cabin area were consumed by fire. The right wing and empennage were intact and not burned. Except for the left aileron (consumed by fire), all primary and secondary control surfaces were intact and attached to the airplane, and control cable continuity was confirmed from each control surface to the cockpit.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov