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Hard Landing and Runway Excursion After Windshield Fogging and Bounce (N14DB)

Chesterfield, MO, US

On January 3, 1991, a Cessna 340 (registration N14DB) operated by Gateway Financial Sycs. was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE A FOGGY WINDSHIELD, MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE, PREMATURE LANDING FLARE, AND SLUSH ON THE RUNWAY. 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

On final approach, the aircraft's windshield fogged, leading the pilot to pull up prematurely. A hard landing caused a bounce, then a slide off the runway, collapsing the left main landing gear.

Event Description

During the final approach for landing, the aircraft windshield fogged, obscuring the pilot's view. The pilot reported that he believed he was too low while crossing the runway threshold, prompting him to pull the aircraft up. As he initiated the flare for landing, the aircraft was higher than intended, resulting in a hard landing.

Sequence of Events

After the first touchdown, the aircraft bounced once. Upon the second touchdown, the aircraft slid off the left side of the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed when the aircraft departed the runway surface.

Runway Condition

Slush was present on the runway at the time of the landing.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jan 1991 Cessna 340 accident near Chesterfield, MO?

On final approach, the aircraft's windshield fogged, leading the pilot to pull up prematurely. A hard landing caused a bounce, then a slide off the runway, collapsing the left main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jan 1991 Cessna 340 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jan 1991 involved a Cessna 340, registration N14DB, operated by Gateway Financial Sycs., at Chesterfield, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE A FOGGY WINDSHIELD, MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE, PREMATURE LANDING FLARE, AND SLUSH ON THE RUNWAY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16278. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.