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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

November 12, 2011 · Cessna 401A · N531MH

Gladewater, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 12, 2011
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (1 serious injury, 4 minor injuries)
Location
Gladewater, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 401A
Tail Number
N531MH
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA061

While preparing to enter the traffic pattern, the pilot checked the wind on his weather-equipped global positioning system and also heard a wind update on the radio for the nearest weather facility. On the basis of the information obtained, the pilot understood that the current wind was from 170 degrees at 20 to 25 knots. He entered the traffic pattern in a left downwind for runway 14 and began to slow the airplane for landing. The pilot stated that when the airplane was on short final at an airspeed of about 120 knots, a gusting crosswind pushed it right of the runway centerline. The airplane began to descend rapidly, and the pilot added full power in an attempt to go around. However, the airplane rolled to the right, and the airplane crashed on the right side of the runway. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing and attempted go-around in a gusty crosswind.

Full Narrative

On November 12, 2011, about 1635 central standard time, a Cessna 401A, N531MH, was substantially damaged while landing at the Gladewater Municipal Airport (07F), Gladewater, Texas. The private pilot and three passengers received minor injuries, and the forth passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Natchitoches Regional Airport (IER), Natchitoches, Louisiana, around 1550. While preparing to enter the traffic pattern at 1,800 feet above ground level, the pilot checked the wind on his Garmin 696 with NEXRAD and also heard a wind update on the radio for the nearest weather facility. The current wind was understood to be from 170 degrees between 20 and 25 knots. The pilot entered the pattern in a left downwind for runway 14 and began to slow the airplane down. The pilot stated he was on short final and at an airspeed of about 120 knots when a gusting crosswind pushed the airplane 30 feet right of the runway centerline and began to descend very quickly. The pilot decided to perform a go-around maneuver and added full engine power. As engine power was added, the twin-engine airplane began to roll to the right. The pilot then elected to reduce engine power and land. The airplane impacted and exited the runway before coming to rest in an upright position. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, Cessna Aircraft Co., and Continental Motors, Inc. performed a post accident examination of the airplane and the engines. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, wings, and landing gear. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. At 1553, the aviation routine weather report at East Texas Regional Airport in Longview, Texas, about 16 nautical miles southeast of the accident location was: wind 170 degrees and 16 knots gusting to 23 knots; visibility 10sm; few clouds at 4,900 feet above ground level; temperature 23 degrees Celsius and dew point 13 degrees Celsius; altimeter 29.92 inches of mercury. At 1530, the weather station reported a peak wind gust of 27 knots from 190 degrees.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:35 CST
Nearest AirportGladewater Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length3301 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 401A
Tail NumberN531MH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 300 | Cont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 300
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury Summary5 injuries (1 serious injury, 4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 16 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data