Casualties unknown

Landing Roll Incident Involving Drift and Gear Collapse (N9455M)

Bessemer, AL, US

On September 18, 2001, a Cessna 210K (registration N9455M) was involved in an aviation accident near Bessemer, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the landing gear-down lock mechanism, which resulted in the pilot's inability to control the airplane. A factor was the trees. 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 landing roll, an airplane drifted right; pilot's rudder and brake application failed to correct. The airplane banked, departed the runway, and impacted trees. Post-accident examination revealed a collapsed right main landing gear and a faulty down-lock switch.

Event Description

According to the pilot's account, during the landing roll, the airplane began to drift to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and brakes, but these inputs did not correct the rightward drift. Subsequently, the airplane suddenly banked to the right, departed the runway, and collided with trees.

Damage and Examination

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear had collapsed. The horizontal stabilizer, empennage, wings, ailerons, and lower fuselage sustained damage. Further inspection identified a faulty down-lock switch in the right main landing gear.

Additional Findings

The examination also noted that the right main landing gear's down-lock switch was faulty. No other mechanical anomalies were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Sept 2001 Cessna 210K accident near Bessemer, AL?

During landing roll, an airplane drifted right; pilot's rudder and brake application failed to correct. The airplane banked, departed the runway, and impacted trees. Post-accident examination revealed a collapsed right main landing gear and a faulty down-lock switch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Sept 2001 involved a Cessna 210K, registration N9455M, at Bessemer, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the landing gear-down lock mechanism, which resulted in the pilot's inability to control the airplane. A factor was the trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010924X01982. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.