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Casualties unknown

Nose Gear Collapse During Taxi Due to Soft Runway Asphalt (N888K)

Mckinney, TX, US

On May 10, 1985, a Cessna 421 (registration N888K) operated by Km&d Energy Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mckinney, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The soft asphalt on the runway had not been rolled or packed sufficiently to support the weight of the aircraft, leading to the nose wheel bogging down and causing the nose gear to collapse. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, an aircraft's nose wheel bogged down in soft runway asphalt, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in substantial damage.

Event Description

Following a landing, an aircraft was taxiing on the runway when its nose wheel began sinking into soft asphalt. The asphalt, which had not been sufficiently rolled or packed, was pushed forward in front of the wheel, building up resistance. This resistance eventually overstressed the nose gear, causing it to collapse. The aircraft's nose then struck the runway surface.

Damage

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. No further details on the extent or specific components damaged were provided.

Cause

Investigation determined that the asphalt on the runway had not been rolled or packed enough to support the weight of the aircraft, leading to the nose wheel bogging down and subsequent nose gear failure.

Probable cause

The soft asphalt on the runway had not been rolled or packed sufficiently to support the weight of the aircraft, leading to the nose wheel bogging down and causing the nose gear to collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 May 1985 Cessna 421 accident near Mckinney, TX?

After landing, an aircraft's nose wheel bogged down in soft runway asphalt, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 May 1985 involved a Cessna 421, registration N888K, operated by Km&d Energy Inc., at Mckinney, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The soft asphalt on the runway had not been rolled or packed sufficiently to support the weight of the aircraft, leading to the nose wheel bogging down and causing the nose gear to collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36467. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.