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Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Failure on Overweight Aircraft (N974V)

Fullerton, CA, US

On January 15, 1984, a Beech C-24-R (registration N974V) operated by Air South Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent hard landing, exacerbated by the aircraft being overloaded. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landed hard after the pilot reported hearing a stall warning buzzer at approximately 50 feet above ground level, resulting in significant structural damage.

What happened

A rear-seated passenger reported that when the aircraft was about 50 feet above ground level, he heard the stall warning buzzer sound. Several seconds later, the aircraft hit the runway in a near-level attitude. The landing was described by the passenger as 'on the hard side.'

The investigation

Investigation revealed that the aircraft was over maximum allowable gross weight at the time of the accident.

Findings

  • Aircraft overweight
  • Stall warning buzzer sounded before impact
  • Hard landing on runway

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent hard landing, exacerbated by the aircraft being overloaded.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 1984 Beech C-24-R accident near Fullerton, CA?

An aircraft landed hard after the pilot reported hearing a stall warning buzzer at approximately 50 feet above ground level, resulting in significant structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 1984 involved a Beech C-24-R, registration N974V, operated by Air South Inc., at Fullerton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent hard landing, exacerbated by the aircraft being overloaded.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38607. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.