On January 3, 2004, a Cessna 421C (registration N911EA) operated by Scenic Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Window Rock, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the circling approach in icing conditions, which resulted in a premature stall and 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.
A pilot attempting a VOR/DME-A circling approach in instrument meteorological conditions with icing and gusty winds stalled prematurely during the flare, resulting in a hard landing on the left main gear.
What happened
The aircraft touched down heavily on its left main landing gear. The pilot was conducting a VOR/DME-A circling approach while operating under instrument meteorological conditions. Environmental factors included icing and gusty winds. During the approach phase, the pilot observed ice accumulation on the airframe. In the final stage of the landing flare, the airplane experienced a premature stall before making proper contact with the runway surface.
The investigation
Examination of the event focused on the flight dynamics during the final approach and landing sequence. The primary mechanical outcome was significant impact damage to the left main gear due to the hard touchdown. No further mechanical anomalies were cited beyond the structural stress from the impact.
Findings
Contributing factors included the adverse weather conditions, specifically icing and gusty winds, which complicated the instrument approach. The premature stall during the flare phase was the direct cause of the hard landing. The pilot's assessment of airframe ice accumulation suggests environmental degradation of aerodynamic performance.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the circling approach in icing conditions, which resulted in a premature stall and hard landing.