In‐flight Fire, Emergency Descent and Crash in a Residential Area Cessna 310R, N501N Sanford, Florida

This report explains the July 10, 2007, accident involving a Cessna 310R, N501N, operated by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing corporate aviation division as a personal flight. The airplane crashed while performing an emergency diversion to Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando, Florida, after an in-flight fire. The flight had been released despite a known unresolved maintenance discrepancy. Safety issues discussed in this report relate to the resetting of circuit breakers, the inspection and maintenance of electrical systems in general aviation aircraft, and
the establishment of safety management systems in general aviation corporate operations. Safety recommendations regarding these issues are addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration.