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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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September 18, 2021 · Cessna 404 · N5409G

Sheridan, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sheridan, WY
Aircraft
Cessna 404 (1977)
Tail Number
N5409G
Operator
Richland Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA350

The pilot stated that the flight and landing approach were uneventful. He recalled configuring the airplane for landing by extending the landing gear and flaps then began the landing flare. His next recollection was of being in the airplane at the right side of the runway surrounded by a cloud of dust. He did not have any recollection of how the airplane got there. Examination of the airplane found the landing gear had collapsed; the nose structure was deformed. While the exact cause of the pilot’s behavior change could not be determined from the available evidence, it is likely he was impaired by a medical event during landing and then possibly incapacitated for a short time. A number of possibilities could explain this event, none of which would have left any direct evidence and all of which could have caused a period of unconsciousness or amnesia. Although he was diagnosed with COVID-19 following the accident, symptoms would have been unlikely to suddenly severely impair the pilot and his memory but allow him to fully recover within a few minutes.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot experiencing an episode of impaired behavior and incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On September 18, 2021, about 0750, a Cessna 404, N5409G, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sheridan, Wyoming. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 scheduled cargo flight. The pilot stated that he loaded the airplane, along with help from ground handlers, and that there were no HAZMAT packages presented during loading. The total weight of cargo was 154 lbs, and it was loaded behind a net in the aft cargo area. He stated that the flight and landing approach were uneventful, and he recalled configuring the airplane for landing by extending the landing gear and flaps. He began the landing flare, but his next recollection was of being in the airplane at the right side of the runway surrounded by a cloud of dust. He did not have any recollection of how the airplane got there. Examination of the airplane revealed that it had departed runway 15 shortly after landing. The landing gear had collapsed, the nose structure was deformed, and the runway surface exhibited a set of gouges that matched the dimensions of the right wheel rim, and two sets of slash marks consistent with propeller strike. The pilot refused emergency medical treatment at the accident scene, and visited his personal physician three days later, complaining of back and neck pain following the accident. During that visit, his vital signs, including his pulse oximetry, were normal. The pilot recounted the accident circumstances to the physician and was concerned about why he couldn’t remember the events. The medical record stated, “He does not believe he lost consciousness but is unclear.” The physical examination was unremarkable. The physician obtained a chest X-ray, which showed patchy infiltrates, and the pilot tested positive for COVID-19 the following day. He had blood tests that were normal and a brain MRI on October 11, 2021, did not reveal any acute findings. The pilot had reported remote surgeries and seasonal allergies to the FAA at his last medical examination without any use of medications. According to personal medical records, in February 2021, he reported having gastroesophageal reflux disease and using omeprazole to treat it.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:50 MDT
Nearest AirportSheridan County (0.2nm NW)
Runway15/3
Runway Length8301 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 404
Tail NumberN5409G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichland Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 375 | Cont Motor · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 375
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 34 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time07:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data