Casualties unknown

1994-07-29: Cessna 421C (N985RA) — Randsburg Corp. — Polacca, AZ

Polacca, AZ, US

On July 29, 1994, a Cessna 421C (registration N985RA) operated by Randsburg Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Polacca, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's attempt to make a 180-degree turn in soft sand at a speed which imposed side loading on the nose 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing on runway 22, a bird struck the copilot's windscreen and braking was reduced due to tar and dirt buildup, causing an overrun into soft sand where the nose gear collapsed.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an incident during a landing approach to runway 22. The pilot observed the windsock hanging limp, indicating calm or light winds, and initiated an approach. After turning final, the pilot noticed the aircraft floated more than usual and suspected a tailwind condition.

Bird Strike and Landing Roll

Upon touchdown, a bird impacted the copilot's windscreen. The pilot stated that he may have delayed braking as he attempted to avoid the flock of birds. After touchdown, the braking action was less than normal because of the roughness of tar and dirt buildup on the runway surface.

Runway Overrun and Nose Gear Collapse

The pilot was unable to slow the aircraft's landing roll before overrunning the runway. He immediately noticed the aircraft was rolling into soft sand. Attempting to use momentum to make a 180-degree turn back to the runway, the nose gear collapsed.

Conclusion

The pilot's report indicates a combination of factors, including a bird strike, reduced braking effectiveness due to runway surface condition, and a subsequent overrun into soft sand, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear. No further causal determination was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01794. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.