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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 29, 1994 · Cessna 421C · N985RA

Polacca, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Polacca, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 421C
Tail Number
N985RA
Operator
Randsburg
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX94LA302

The pilot reported he observed the windsock hanging limp and initiated an approach to runway 22. After turning final, he noticed that the aircraft floated more than usual and suspected that he had a tail wind. Upon touchdown, a bird impacted the copilot's windscreen and he said he may have delayed braking as he attempted to avoid the flock. After touchdown, he said the braking action was less than normal because of the roughness of the tar and dirt build up on the runway surface. By the time he was able to slow the aircraft's landing roll, he had overrun the runway. He immediately noticed the aircraft was rolling into soft sand and was attempting to use his momentum to make a 180-degree turn back to runway when the nose gear collapsed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's attempt to make a 180-degree turn in soft sand at a speed which imposed side loading on the nose gear. Factors were the pilot's decision to continue the approach beyond the planned touchdown point, the effect of the runway surface on braking action, and the bird strike.

Full Narrative

On July 29, 1994, at 1620 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 421C, N985RA, sustained substantial damage during a landing overrun at Polacca, Arizona. The aircraft was operated by Life Flight and was on a revenue flight under 14 CFR Part 135 of Federal Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions were prevalent at the time of the accident and a company (VFR) flight plan had been filed for the operation. Neither the certificated airline transport pilot, the two crew members, nor the two passengers were injured. The flight originated from Flagstaff Pulliam airport at 1550 on the day of the accident. The pilot reported that he observed the windsock hanging limp and initiated an approach to runway 22. After turning final, he noticed that the aircraft floated more than usual and he suspected a tail wind. The approach speed and descent rate were normal. Upon touchdown, a bird impacted the copilot's windscreen and he said he may have delayed braking as he attempted to avoid the flock. After touchdown, the braking action was less than normal because of the roughness of the tar and dirt build up on the runway surface. By the time he was able to slow the aircraft's landing roll to approximately 10 knots, he had overrun the runway. He immediately noticed the aircraft was rolling into soft sand and was attempting to use his momentum to make a 180- degree turn back to runway when the nose gear collapsed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 MST
Nearest AirportPALOCCA (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 421C
Tail NumberN985RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRandsburg
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GTSIO-520L · Reciprocating · 375
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 3 kt
Visibility65 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data