1 Jul 2018: Cessna 421 B

1 Jul 2018: Cessna 421 B — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Clifton, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, during short final, while approaching the runway threshold, he reduced the engine power to maintain glideslope, added full flaps, and applied a little left rudder to maintain runway heading. Subsequently, the airplane sank, and landed hard collapsing the nose landing gear.

He further reported that prior to the approach, he was advised by air traffic control that the wind at the destination airport was 190° at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 200° at 14 knots. The airplane landed on runway 14.

The Airport Facility Directory advised "Steep drop off north of runway 14."

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

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

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Landing flare — Not attained/maintained
  • Effect on operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 190/14kt, vis 9sm

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