Casualties unknown

Cessna Departs Runway, Collapses Nose Gear After Wake Turbulence Caution (N5368J)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On September 7, 1995, a Cessna 421B (registration N5368J) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITION. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND. 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 landing on Runway 08 departed the left side of the runway, collapsing the nose gear and skidding to a stop on a taxiway. The pilot had been cautioned for wake turbulence from a preceding F-14 departure.

Event Description

A Cessna airplane, cleared to land on Runway 08, was cautioned by air traffic control for wake turbulence from a departing F-14. During the landing, the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded before coming to rest on a taxiway.

Weather

The pilot reported winds from 110 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. National Weather Service observation data reported winds from 130 degrees at 9 knots.

Aircraft and Traffic Sequence

The F-14 departed at 1524:56 UTC. At 1526:01 UTC, the Cessna was over the approach end of Runway 08. The F-14's rotation point was 4,000 feet from the approach end of the 13,775-foot runway. The Cessna's touchdown point was 2,900 feet from the approach end. At that time, the F-14 was 1.5 nautical miles beyond the departure end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1995 Cessna 421B accident near Albuquerque, NM?

A Cessna landing on Runway 08 departed the left side of the runway, collapsing the nose gear and skidding to a stop on a taxiway. The pilot had been cautioned for wake turbulence from a preceding F-14 departure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1995 involved a Cessna 421B, registration N5368J, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITION. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04495. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.