No fatalities

1 Jul 2018: Cessna 421 B — Clifton, TX

Clifton, TX, United States

On 1 Jul 2018, a Cessna 421 B was involved in an aviation accident near Clifton, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a hard landing on runway 14 after reducing power and adding flaps on short final; the nose landing gear collapsed, and substantial damage occurred to engine mounts, right wing, tail, and rudder.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an airplane reported a hard landing on runway 14 that resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. According to the pilot, during short final while approaching the runway threshold, engine power was reduced to maintain glideslope, full flaps were added, and a small amount of left rudder was applied to stay aligned with the runway heading. Subsequently, the airplane sank and landed hard, causing the nose gear to collapse.

Wind Conditions and Runway

Prior to the approach, air traffic control advised the pilot that the wind at the destination airport was from 190 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots. Approximately 10 minutes after the accident, the automated weather observation station at the airport reported wind from 200 degrees at 14 knots. The airplane landed on runway 14.

Airport Facility Information

The Airport Facility Directory included a note: "Steep drop off north of runway 14."

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both engine mounts, the right wing, tail, and rudder.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation