Cessna 421
Clifton, TX — July 1, 2018
Event Information
| Date | July 1, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA390 |
| Event ID | 20180702X85608 |
| Location | Clifton, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 31.81722, -97.56944 |
| Airport | CLIFTON MUNI/ISENHOWER FIELD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 421 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
Full 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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.