No fatalities

Simulated Engine Failure Leads to Hard Landing and Landing Gear Collapse (N9497N)

Daggett, CA, US

On September 15, 1999, a Cessna A185F (registration N9497N) operated by California Highway Patrol was involved in an aviation accident near Daggett, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to recognize an excessive rate of descent and his subsequent delayed flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated engine failure climb, a pilot experienced a high sink rate and hard landing, collapsing the left main landing gear.

Occurrence

After takeoff, the pilot climbed straight ahead to 200 feet above ground level (AGL) with flaps set at 20 degrees. Upon reaching 200 feet, he retarded the throttle to simulate an engine failure. He then moved the yoke forward and established a downward descent angle. As the aircraft neared the runway, the pilot recognized that a high sink rate was developing. Simultaneously, he flared the aircraft and added full power in an effort to slow the descent. The airplane landed hard, and the left main landing gear collapsed as a result of the impact.

Aircraft Information

The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator are not specified in the investigation source. The accident occurred during a training or proficiency flight involving a simulated engine failure maneuver.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated the climb after takeoff with flaps extended to 20 degrees. At 200 feet AGL, he reduced throttle to mimic an engine failure. He then pushed the yoke forward to start a descent toward the runway. During the descent, the pilot noticed an excessive sink rate. In response, he flared the aircraft and applied full throttle to arrest the descent. Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft touched down hard, and the left main landing gear failed.

Damage

The hard landing resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. Further damage to the aircraft is not detailed in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Sept 1999 Cessna A185F accident near Daggett, CA?

During a simulated engine failure climb, a pilot experienced a high sink rate and hard landing, collapsing the left main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Sept 1999 Cessna A185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Sept 1999 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N9497N, operated by California Highway Patrol, at Daggett, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to recognize an excessive rate of descent and his subsequent delayed flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19795. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.