# NTSB LAX91LA167: Cessna 414A, N242AR, Avenal, CA, April 6, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 6, 1991, 11:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Avenal, CA
- Coordinates: 35.889343, -120.070198 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8893&lon=-120.0702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27167
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27167/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA167

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER STRIKING A DIRT BERM DURING THE LANDING ROLL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ENSURE THAT THE AIRPORT WAS ADEQUATE FOR HIS INTENDED OPERATIONS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - berm (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - runway maintenance - not performed, other person (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear strut - overload

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT WAS LANDING AT A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WITH 4 PASSENGERS ON A FLIGHT CONDUCTED UNDER 14 CFR PART 135.  THE AIRSTRIP IS 3,000 FEET LONG AND 20 FEET WIDE.  DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT MAIN GEAR STRUCK A DIRT BERM THAT WAS DEPOSITED ON THE RUNWAY BY RECENT DUST STORMS.  THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE HARD SURFACE OF THE RUNWAY. THE LEFT GEAR STRUCK SOFT TERRAIN AND WAS SHEARED OFF FROM THE AIRFRAME. THE AIRPLANE WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.  NO INJURIES TO THE PILOT OR PASSENGERS.  THE LANDING GEAR WIDTH OF THE AIRPLANE IS 18 FEET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N242AR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 414A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 414A0472
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TS10-520-NB 325 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Air Allana Inc, doing business as Marin Air Services
- Registered owner: Alfred Willsey Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SQL, SAN CARLOS, CA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: Orchard Ranch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,948 total, 220 in this make and model, 2,859 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910406014289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910406014289A), Apr 6, 1991: Cessna 414A, Avenal, CA, Substantial damage. Wheel struck sand pile on landing causing aircraft to veer off runway,collapsing left gear. Wind blown sand pile.

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.

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