# NTSB GAA17CA581: Cessna 414, N1652T, San Jose, CA, September 29, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 28, 2017, 17:08 local (Sep 29, 2017, 00:08 UTC) - Place: San Jose, CA - Coordinates: 37.363056, -121.928611 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3631&lon=-121.9286&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing: Prop/jet/rotor blast/suction](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/082) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 26, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - NTSB case key (mKey): 97874 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA581 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/97874/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97874 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA581 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 414, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2075908), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 414, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037/cases.md?model=2075908), [All aircraft, 242 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing: Prop/jet/rotor blast/suction](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/082) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 414, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/082/sequence.md?model=2075908), [All aircraft, 44 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/082/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was cleared to land on runway 30R, but when he turned to the base leg, he observed a large airplane on final for 30L. However, he continued the approach, and the landing flare was normal, but the airplane landed hard. He recalled that the airplane "seemed ok," and he taxied to parking. The following week, the airplane underwent an annual inspection. The inspection revealed that the left wing false spar and trunnion were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he was cleared to land on runway 30 right, but when he turned base, he observed a large airplane on final for 30 left. However, he continued the approach, and during the landing the flare was normal, but the airplane landed hard. He recalled that the airplane "seemed ok" and he taxied to parking and shutdown. The following week, the airplane underwent an annual inspection. During the annual inspection the left wing false spar and trunnion required replacement. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing false spar and trunnion. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1652T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1652T), registered now, S/N 414-0432, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 414 (Undesignat) - Registry model: [Cessna 414](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-414) (registry code 2075908) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 414-0432 - Year built: 1973 - Airframe hours: 4517.1 - Engines: Continental TSIO-520 NB 310 horsepower reciprocating; Continental TSIO-520 NB 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 8, 2016 - Departed: SJC, San Jose, CA - Destination: SJC, San Jose, CA - Airport: SJC, Norman Y Mineta San Jose Intl, runway 30R, 11,000 × 150 ft, concrete - Equipment: Stall warning system, Electronic multifunction display, Data recorder, Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 81; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 28, 2017; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 3,319 total, 2,458 in this make and model, 3,165 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: KSJC ## Other investigations on N1652T (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 CEN24LA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA329), Jul 4, 2024: Cessna 414 (N1652T), Leadville, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of brake fluid for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a loss of braking effectiveness during landing. ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 9, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97874. 4.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 4.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40472771&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - 6120.1 Complete Narrative (item 2, .PDF, 139 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40472772&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%206120.1%20Complete%20Narrative-Master.PDF - Photo (item 3, .PDF, 1 photo, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40472773&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.