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Downdraft During Takeoff Leads to Landing Gear Collapse on Landing (N14A)

Fort Payne, AL, US

On April 15, 1993, a Cessna 421B (registration N14A) operated by Southern Airways Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Payne, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR WINDS DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF THAT RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE COLLIDING WITH THE RUNWAY, EXCEEDING THE DESIGN LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT AND UPON LANDING AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, THE COLLAPSE OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR. 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

During initial takeoff, a downdraft caused an airplane to settle back onto the runway. The pilot continued the flight, but during landing the right main and nose gear collapsed. Wreckage examination revealed damage consistent with a hard landing.

Event Summary

An airplane experienced a downdraft during its initial takeoff, causing it to settle back onto the runway. The pilot elected to continue the flight after observing no indication of a landing gear problem. During the touchdown phase of the approach at the destination airport, the right main landing gear and nose gear collapsed.

Takeoff

During the initial takeoff roll, the pilot encountered a downdraft. This resulted in the airplane settling back onto the runway surface. Despite this event, the pilot decided to proceed with the flight because there was no indication of a landing gear issue.

Landing and Damage

Upon arrival at the destination airport, during the touchdown phase of the approach, the right main landing gear and nose gear collapsed. Examination of the wreckage disclosed overload structural damage in the right wheel well and to the right wing. This damage was consistent with what would be sustained during a hard landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 1993 Cessna 421B accident near Fort Payne, AL?

During initial takeoff, a downdraft caused an airplane to settle back onto the runway. The pilot continued the flight, but during landing the right main and nose gear collapsed. Wreckage examination revealed damage consistent with a hard landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 1993 involved a Cessna 421B, registration N14A, operated by Southern Airways Inc., at Fort Payne, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR WINDS DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF THAT RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE COLLIDING WITH THE RUNWAY, EXCEEDING THE DESIGN LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT AND UPON LANDING AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, THE COLLAPSE OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.