# Accident 20210702004099A: Cessna 402A, Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 2, 2021

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: July 2, 2021, 07:05 local time
- Place: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Airport: Fort Lauderdale Executive
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Takeoff: Rotation
- Operating rules: Air taxi and commuter (Part 135)
- Operator: M7JA
- Location: 26.1982° N, 80.1718° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1982&lon=-80.1718&mi=10
- Aircraft: N4550Q, registered now (https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4550Q) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Cessna 402A (registry code 207590M, https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-402a) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Continental IO-520 series (registry code 17032, https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 402A
- Reported engine: CONT MOTOR IO 520 SERIES
- People aboard: 7
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 0
- Pilot certificates: Airline transport, flight instructor
- Pilot flight hours: 20,500 total, 500 in this make and model, 60 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB ERA21LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA281) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210702004099A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

AIRMAN TOOK OFF WITH SUN IN HIS EYES AND MOISTURE ON WINDSHIELD CAUSING TROUBLE KEEPING EYE CONTACT WITH THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE.  HE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND ABOUT THE TIME OF ROTATION HIT A RUNWAY SIGN.  HE WENT AIRBORNE AND LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT.

DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT AS REPORTED BY THE PMI FROM HER INSPECTION WAS:  LEFT AND RIGHT ENGINE PROPELLER STRIKE, LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR MOUNT STRUCTURE SEVERED, LEFT ELEVATOR BUCKLED AND LEFT STABILIZER TIP CRUSHED

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ERA21LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA281), Jul 2, 2021: Cessna 402A (N4550Q), Fort Lauderdale, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff with a fogged wind screen and sun glare, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with a taxiway sign.

## Other reports on N4550Q (3)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Incident 20001219038099I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20001219038099I), Dec 19, 2000: Cessna 402A (N4550Q), Collegeville, PA, Minor damage. (-23) The pilot was landing at Perkiomen Valley Airport (N10) at approx. 1210 EST. On roll-out, the pilot attempted to stop the aircraft. The left brake…
- [Incident 19920317012939I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920317012939I), Mar 17, 1992: Cessna 402A (N4550Q), South Bend, IN. Loss of oil pressure in left engine. Shut engine down. Continued to destination. Oil leak in the accessory housing.
- [Accident 19751222039959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19751222039959A), Dec 22, 1975: Cessna 402A (N4550Q), White Plains, NY, Substantial damage. Wind gusting 31KTS. Nose gr collapsed. 1/2 mile vis apch min.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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