On January 3, 1991, a Cessna 340 (registration N14DB) operated by Gateway Financial Sycs. was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, MO. 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.
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.