Casualties unknown

1983-01-07: Cessna 421C (N448) — Houston, TX

Houston, TX, US

On January 7, 1983, a Cessna 421C (registration N448) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After a coupled ILS approach, the pilot disconnected the coupler and transitioned to visual flight, resulting in an increased descent rate, hard landing, left tire failure, runway excursion, and propeller ground strike.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that following a normal coupled Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, visual conditions were encountered at approximately 250 feet above ground level (AGL) and half a mile from the runway. At that point, the pilot disconnected the approach coupler and aligned the aircraft with the runway.

Sequence of Events

During the transition from instrument flight rules (IFR) to visual flight, the pilot noted an increase in the rate of descent. This led to a hard landing, which caused the left tire to blow out. Subsequently, the aircraft departed the runway and completed a 180-degree turn. After the aircraft left the runway, the left propeller struck the ground.

Damage

The left tire was blown, and the left propeller made contact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42005. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.