On December 5, 1991, a Cessna 421 (registration N777RA) operated by Arr Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which was related to ice crystals on the windshield and a slick runway surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft veered left during landing roll, striking a snowbank and separating its left main gear after ice crystals obscured the pilot's right-side windshield view.
What happened
During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a slick surface on the runway. The aircraft subsequently veered toward the left side of the pavement. As it moved off the paved surface, the left main landing gear struck a snowbank. This impact caused the airplane to rotate approximately 100 degrees to the left. The aircraft then slid sideways until it came to a complete stop. During this sequence, the left main gear separated from the airframe.
Findings
The pilot reported that ice crystals were present on the right side of the windshield during the landing phase. This obstruction likely contributed to the loss of directional control and the subsequent runway excursion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which was related to ice crystals on the windshield and a slick runway surface.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Dec 1991 Cessna 421 accident near Wheeling, IL?
An aircraft veered left during landing roll, striking a snowbank and separating its left main gear after ice crystals obscured the pilot's right-side windshield view.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Dec 1991 involved a Cessna 421, registration N777RA, operated by Arr Corp., at Wheeling, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which was related to ice crystals on the windshield and a slick runway surface.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…