The Manifold Pressure On The Left Engine Indicated About 21 Inches, While The Manifold Pressure For The Right Engine Indicated 23 Inches

Location: Hayden, ID Accident Number: WPR24LA034
Date & Time: November 13, 2023, 08:00 Local Registration: N86H
Aircraft: Cessna 310D Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On November 13, 2023, about 0800 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 310D, N86H, was substantially damaged with it was involved in an accident near Hayden, Idaho. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations personal flight.

The pilot reported that he had departed Coeur d'Alene Airport - Pappy Boyington Field (COE), Hayden, with an intended destination of Nampa, Idaho. As he ascended to about 4,500 ft mean sea level, he noticed that the manifold pressure on the left engine indicated about 21 inches, while the manifold pressure for the right engine indicated 23 inches. Despite his efforts to  troubleshoot the difference in manifold pressure for the two engines, he was unsuccessful, and noted that the left engine seemed to be unresponsive. The pilot decided to return to COE, and while on final approach to runway 2, the left engine “either went to idle or lost all power,” followed by the sound of the stall warning horn. The airplane then immediately rolled left and impacted the ground short of runway 2.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane impacted the ground about 250 ft before the approach end of runway 2. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged and both engines were separated from the engine nacelles. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov