Casualties unknown

1985-04-02: Cessna 414 (XBDED) — Eagle Mountain, CA

Eagle Mountain, CA, US

On April 2, 1985, a Cessna 414 (registration XBDED) was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle Mountain, CA. 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

A Mexican-registered aircraft experienced a landing gear failure, ran off the runway, and caught fire, carrying 451 pounds of pure cocaine. Occupants were not found.

Event

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the aircraft touched down with the left main landing gear first, then experienced a blowout or failure of the right main landing gear. The aircraft subsequently departed the right side of the runway, skidded across a dirt berm, and suffered partial separation of the right wing. The right wing and the right engine were consumed by fire.

Cargo

A search of the aircraft revealed 451 pounds of a substance later identified as cocaine with a purity exceeding 90%. The cargo was contained within the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Occupants

Law enforcement officials reported that the occupants of the aircraft were not located at the scene. No further information regarding the pilot or any passengers was provided.

Registration

The aircraft was registered in Mexico. No specific registration number was released by the authorities.

Investigation

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is handling the investigation. No preliminary cause for the gear failure has been announced, and no analysis or conclusions regarding the sequence of events have been released.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36228. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.