Casualties unknown

Aircraft Bounces on Landing, Impacts Precision Approach Path Indicator (N421HG)

Muncie, IN, US

On January 19, 2005, a Cessna 421C (registration N421HG) operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Muncie, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate flare and the directional control not maintained/obtained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the instrument meteorological conditions, the icing conditions, the limited visibility afforded by the windshield antiice/deice system, and the… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 landing on runway 29, the aircraft bounced and struck the precision approach path indicator. The pilot reported encountering icing during the VOR approach and overcorrecting after a hard landing, resulting in a left-wing-low touchdown off the runway.

Landing Event

The aircraft was landing on runway 29 when it bounced after touchdown. During the bounce, the aircraft impacted the precision approach path indicator. The aircraft continued and came to rest approximately 2,000 feet down the runway, off the left side in the grass.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that during the VOR approach, icing conditions were encountered. At an altitude of 800 to 900 feet above ground, the aircraft entered visual meteorological conditions. The pilot aligned with the runway and landed "somewhat hard," which resulted in the bounce. After the bounce, the aircraft drifted left. The pilot attributed this drift to an overcorrection during the recovery from the bounced landing. The aircraft touched back down to the left of the runway in a left-wing-low attitude.

Additional Details

The aircraft was equipped with a heated windshield. However, during the approach, the pilot noticed ice accumulating on the non-heated sections of the windshield. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by improved transition by himself from instrument conditions to a smooth landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jan 2005 Cessna 421C accident near Muncie, IN?

During landing on runway 29, the aircraft bounced and struck the precision approach path indicator. The pilot reported encountering icing during the VOR approach and overcorrecting after a hard landing, resulting in a left-wing-low touchdown off the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jan 2005 involved a Cessna 421C, registration N421HG, operated by Pilot, at Muncie, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadequate flare and the directional control not maintained/obtained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the instrument meteorological conditions, the icing conditions, the limited visibility afforded by the windshield antiice/deice system, and the runway/approach lighting system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050314X00311. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.