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Cessna 421 Inflight Breakup After Elevator Component Separation (N2656N)

Eagle Mountain, CA, US

On March 12, 1993, a Cessna 421C (registration N2656N) was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle Mountain, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE LEFT ELEVATOR FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(S), WHICH RESULTED IN FLUTTER AND FAILURE OF THE EMPENNAGE, AND SUBSEQUENT UNCONTROLLED COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. 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

A Cessna 421 broke up in flight after the left outboard elevator assembly separated, causing empennage flutter and subsequent structural failure. Maintenance had been performed about 100 flight hours prior.

Accident Overview

A Cessna 421 experienced an inflight breakup. Investigation revealed that the left outboard portion of the elevator assembly, including the balance weight, separated from the aircraft first. This separation led to empennage flutter and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the empennage.

Structural Findings

Examination of the wreckage showed that the left elevator outboard hinge and its support structure exhibited evidence of hinge overtravel. The left horizontal stabilizer front spar had failed downward. Rivets attaching the left outboard hinge to the rear spar of the left stabilizer were sheared. Additionally, the left elevator center hinge had been pulled off the rear spar.

Maintenance History

Approximately 100 flight hours before the accident, maintenance was performed to address a loose left elevator balance weight and to repair a damaged stiffener in the center structure of the horizontal stabilizer. Post-accident examination confirmed that the balance weight was tight and the stiffener repair was intact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 1993 Cessna 421C accident near Eagle Mountain, CA?

A Cessna 421 broke up in flight after the left outboard elevator assembly separated, causing empennage flutter and subsequent structural failure. Maintenance had been performed about 100 flight hours prior.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 421C, registration N2656N, at Eagle Mountain, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE LEFT ELEVATOR FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(S), WHICH RESULTED IN FLUTTER AND FAILURE OF THE EMPENNAGE, AND SUBSEQUENT UNCONTROLLED COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11996. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.