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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

October 1, 1998 · Cessna 140A · N9403A

Belen, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 1, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Belen, NM
Aircraft
Cessna 140A
Tail Number
N9403A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN99LA001

When the pilot turned onto final approach to runway 21, he had to lower the left wing and apply right rudder to maintain runway alignment. He said the wind had generally been from the south between 15 and 18 knots. As the airplane touched down, a wind gust 'in excess of 20 knots cocked the airplane to the left,' causing the right main landing gear to buckle and separate. According to a Cessna Airplane Company spokesperson, the airplane owner's manual contains no maximum crosswind component data.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were his inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, and the airplane manufacturer's failure to provide adequate performance data.

Full Narrative

On October 1, 1998, approximately 1330 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 140A, N9403A, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain while landing at Alexander Municipal Airport, Belen, New Mexico. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Deming, New Mexico, at 1130. According to the pilot's accident report, he turned onto final approach to runway 21 (6,600 ft. x 60 ft, asphalt) and had to lower the left wing and apply right rudder to maintain runway alignment. He said the wind had generally been from the south between 15 and 18 knots. As the airplane touched down, a wind gust "in excess of 20 knots cocked the airplane to the left," causing the right main landing gear to buckle and separate. An FAA inspector who went to the scene reported finding the right wing spar fractured. He said that shortly after the accident, a rain squall passed through the area. The wind at Albuquerque International Airport, located about 26 miles north of Belen, was from 140 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts to 18 knots. There were distant cumulonimbus clouds and rain shafts from the southwest through the north quadrants. According to a Cessna Airplane Company spokesperson, the airplane owner's manual contains no maximum crosswind component data.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MDT
Nearest AirportBelen Municipal (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length6600 ft
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140A
Tail NumberN9403A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C--90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 15 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data