The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its findings on a general aviation incident that took place at Fayetteville Municipal Airport on June 24, 2025, involving a twin-engine Cessna 310. The findings, published this week, paint a sobering picture of the risks posed by deferred aircraft maintenance in general aviation.
According to the NTSB report, as the Cessna 310 was taking off, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power and attempted to abort the takeoff. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest in the grass alongside it, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot was not injured.
Investigators concluded that the probable cause was multiple pre-existing mechanical deficiencies and a lack of required maintenance that predated the current pilot’s purchase of the aircraft a year earlier. Critically, the pilot had identified several of the deficiencies but chose to fly the uncertified aircraft regardless — a decision that directly led to the loss of power and the subsequent runway excursion.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections and strict airworthiness compliance for general aviation pilots. The FAA is expected to follow up on the matter.
Source: WYTM 105.5 / Kim Albright Local News