On July 4, 1992, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N929DB) operated by Golden Sierra Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Shelter Cove, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the aircraft and his failure to ensure that the control surface locks were removed prior to flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During takeoff ground roll at about 100 knots, the pilot discovered the control lock was still engaged. Unable to remove it, the aircraft overran the 3,400-foot runway, struck a county sewage treatment building, and came to rest on rocks. All four occupants suffered serious injuries.
Incident Overview
During the takeoff ground roll at approximately 100 knots, the pilot realized that the control lock was still in place. Despite an attempt to remove it, the lock could not be disengaged before the aircraft overran the departure end of the 3,400-foot runway.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft continued beyond the runway and collided with a county sewage treatment building. The impact separated the wings from the fuselage. The fuselage then traveled through the building and came to rest on rocks near a beach.
Occupant Injuries
All four occupants aboard the aircraft sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the aircraft and his failure to ensure that the control surface locks were removed prior to flight. No further causal factors or contributing elements were identified in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jul 1992 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident near Shelter Cove, United States of America?
During takeoff ground roll at about 100 knots, the pilot discovered the control lock was still engaged. Unable to remove it, the aircraft overran the 3,400-foot runway, struck a county sewage treatment building, and came to rest on rocks. All four occupants suffered serious injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1992 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II, registration N929DB, operated by Golden Sierra Aviation, at Shelter Cove, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the aircraft and his failure to ensure that the control surface locks were removed prior to flight.