No fatalities

Left Engine Failure and Landing Gear Collapse During Night Approach (N414CM)

Pontiac-Oakland County, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 19, 1988, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration N414CM) operated by Elite Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Pontiac-Oakland County, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by improper fuel tank selector position; delayed gear extension due to improper compensation for wind conditions and late gear selection during a precautionary landing in gusty crosswind at night, resulting… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach, the left engine lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot elected to land on airport property, but the right main gear collapsed after touchdown due to delayed extension. Fuel tanks were empty in the nacelle and main tanks.

Engine Power Loss

While on final approach to land at night, the left engine lost power due to fuel starvation. Attempts to restart the engine were not successful. During the restart attempt, the aircraft drifted to the right of the runway centerline and toward the proximity of hangars.

Approach and Landing

The pilot stated that due to the power loss and wind conditions, he elected to land on airport property. Gear extension was delayed until just before landing. The aircraft touched down before the right main landing gear was fully extended and locked. Subsequently, the right main gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded about 500 feet before coming to rest.

Examination

An examination revealed that the nacelle and main fuel tanks were empty, but fuel remained in the auxiliary tanks.

Probable Cause

The official findings list three occurrences:

  • Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power (total) – nonmechanical, due to fuel starvation and improper fuel tank selector position by the pilot-in-command.
  • Occurrence #2: Gear not extended – during landing flare/touchdown, with contributing factors including dark night, gusty and crosswind conditions, improper compensation for wind conditions by the pilot-in-command, and delayed gear down and lock.
  • Occurrence #3: Main gear collapsed during landing.