Early Analysis: Cessna 310 Crash On Departure—Santa Fe, New Mexico

The NTSB has released its preliminary report (WPR23FA275) regarding the investigation into the Cessna T310R II accident near the Santa Fe Airport, New Mexico.

On Tuesday, July 18, a Cessna T310R crashed on departure from Santa Fe Regional Airport in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sadly, the pilot—the sole occupant on board the airplane—perished in the accident. No one on the ground was hurt.

The turbo-charged twin airplane took off from Runway 20, shortly after 9:00 a.m., bound for Santa Monica Airport in California. Just a few minutes after departure, the pilot contacted the tower reporting that an engine had failed. Soon thereafter, the airplane crashed into a nearby residence.

In Early Analysis: Cessna 310 Crash—Santa Fe, New Mexico, the AOPA Air Safety Institute makes a preliminary assessment of the accident, addressing notable portions of the tragic flight and highlighting areas the NTSB will likely investigate to determine a probable cause.

Learn more:

• Review the Fuel Management Safety Spotlight
• Review the Do the Right Thing—Decision Making for Pilot Safety Spotlight