Casualties unknown

1984-03-21: Cessna 421C (N260RA) — Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL, US

On March 21, 1984, a Cessna 421C (registration N260RA) was involved in an aviation accident near Joliet, IL. 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

An aircraft experienced moderate to severe icing conditions. The pilot cycled deice boots and observed ice shedding from wings but could not see the horizontal stabilizer. During short final, control yoke vibration led to inability to flare, resulting in a hard landing. Clear ice chunks were found on runway. Later deice boot check was satisfactory.

Incident Overview

An aircraft encountered moderate to severe icing during flight. The pilot believed that the ice had been shed after cycling the deice boots, observing ice coming off the wings. However, the pilot could not visually confirm whether ice had also cleared from the horizontal stabilizer.

Sequence of Events

On short final approach at 100 knots, the control yoke began to vibrate. In response, the pilot increased airspeed and lowered the nose, but was unable to flare the aircraft. This resulted in a hard landing.

Post-Event Findings

After landing, clear ice chunks were found on the runway. These were apparently pieces that broke off upon touchdown. An operational check of the deice boots, conducted at a later date, found that both the wing and horizontal stabilizer deice boot systems were functioning satisfactorily.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38988. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.