Probable cause
The pilots'failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.
NTSB analysis
Friends and family members reported that the two pilots departed with the objective of completing a flight review for the commercial pilot. According to radar data, the airplane was maneuvering in the practice area, when the airplane was lost on radar. The airplane impacted open terrain in a wings level attitude consistent with a flat spin. An examination of the airplane, its related systems, and both engines revealed no anomalies. The commercial pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) were both experienced in the airplane. Medical and pathological examination of the commercial pilot and CFI revealed no medical or toxicological issues that would have precluded either the commercial pilot or the CFI from operating the airplane in a safe manner prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10FA493 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Calhan, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 310C
- N-number
- N896H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.