Cessna 421 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 326 events recorded from 1982 to 2024.

326

All Events

152

Incidents

28

Minor

23

Serious

121

Fatal (342 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Mar 18, 2010 Artesia, NM N3382Q Incident substantial A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.
Oct 03, 2009 San Simeon, CA N31KT Incident substantial The pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer’s checklist and set the parking brake.
Sep 04, 2009 Sugar Land, TX N2349S Incident minor
The improper installation of the pitch trim cable which resulted in it making improper contact with a guard pin that led to the fatigue failure of the…

The improper installation of the pitch trim cable which resulted in it making improper contact with a guard pin that led to the fatigue failure of the cable.

Oct 30, 2008 Mesa, AZ N421PC Incident substantial The failure of the hydraulic landing gear extension systems due to a ruptured line.
May 17, 2008 Caldwell, NJ N777FF Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Factors in the accident were a hydroplaning condition, and a wet runway.
Apr 24, 2008 Sterling, CO N513FS Incident substantial Failure and separation of the upper and lower right main gear torque links links, which resulted in a loss of directional control on landing roll-out.
Aug 08, 2007 Oceanside, CA N968J Incident substantial
The collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing roll for undetermined reason, which resulted in a loss of directional control and colli…

The collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing roll for undetermined reason, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with a fence.

May 22, 2007 Kokomo, IN N85SC Incident substantial
The pilot not obtaining proper alignment with the runway during the emergency landing after takeoff, which imparted an excessive side load on the land…

The pilot not obtaining proper alignment with the runway during the emergency landing after takeoff, which imparted an excessive side load on the landing gear. Factors contributing to the accident were the unstabilized approach and engine shutdown due to the oil leak.

Jan 30, 2007 Pocatello, ID N4584L Incident substantial
The separation of the bolt that attaches the elevator trim tab actuator rod to the elevator trim tab horn, resulting in violent flutter of the elevato…

The separation of the bolt that attaches the elevator trim tab actuator rod to the elevator trim tab horn, resulting in violent flutter of the elevator, and eventually to the separation of the inboard half of the right elevator.

Dec 16, 2006 Brackettville, TX N642CB Incident destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment on final approach and his delayed decision to execute a go-around. Factors were the dark nigh…

The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment on final approach and his delayed decision to execute a go-around. Factors were the dark night conditions and the inoperative runway edge lights.

Nov 26, 2006 Moline, IL N471BW Incident substantial
The incorrect installation of the torque link scissor assembly by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear…

The incorrect installation of the torque link scissor assembly by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear during landing.

Feb 18, 2006 Indianapolis, IN N98507 Incident substantial
The main landing gear malfunctioned and failed to extend during the landing approach for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a main gear up land…

The main landing gear malfunctioned and failed to extend during the landing approach for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a main gear up landing.

Aug 21, 2005 Readington, NJ N6159X Incident substantial An encounter with animals during the landing - flare/touchdown.
Jul 07, 2005 Medina, OH N318RF Incident substantial An overload failure of the left main landing gear attachment assembly.
Apr 04, 2005 Lake Havasu Cit, AZ N637SC Incident substantial the fracture of the landing gear shaft roll pin that resulted in a main gear collapse during the taxi.
Jan 19, 2005 Muncie, IN N421HG Incident substantial
The inadequate flare and the directional control not maintained/obtained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the instrument meteorological condit…

The inadequate flare and the directional control not maintained/obtained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the instrument meteorological conditions, the icing conditions, the limited visibility afforded by the windshield antiice/deice system, and the runway/approach lighting system.

Dec 21, 2004 Henderson, TX N369RK Incident substantial The failure of the nose landing gear trunnion lug. A contributing factor was the non-compliance of the service bulletin by maintenance personnel.
Jul 02, 2004 Portland, ME N421KS Incident substantial Failure of the right main landing gear down-lock mechanism resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
Jun 16, 2004 Bend, OR N332CC Incident substantial
On ground encounter with terrain during the takeoff roll as a result of the left side brake not operating. Inadequate maintenance inspection, overloa…

On ground encounter with terrain during the takeoff roll as a result of the left side brake not operating. Inadequate maintenance inspection, overload of the nose landing gear and soft terrain were factors.

Jan 14, 2004 Ravenna, OH N300FB Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent hard landing. A factor in the accident was degraded a…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent hard landing. A factor in the accident was degraded aircraft performance due to the airframe ice accumulation.

Jan 03, 2004 Window Rock, AZ N911EA Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in the landing flare to compensate for airframe icing, which resulted in a premature stall and hard …

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in the landing flare to compensate for airframe icing, which resulted in a premature stall and hard landing. The degraded aircraft performance due to airframe ice was a contributing factor.

Sep 20, 2003 Driggs, ID N41053 Incident substantial The collapse of the nose landing gear while taxiing due to the failure of the nose wheel bearing. A factor was the lack of lubrication.
Mar 05, 2003 Crescent City, CA N26533 Incident substantial
The separation of the upper and lower right main landing gear scissor links due to improper maintenance, which resulted in a ground loop, and the coll…

The separation of the upper and lower right main landing gear scissor links due to improper maintenance, which resulted in a ground loop, and the collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing roll.

Feb 16, 2003 San Francisco, CA N321FL Incident substantial The vehicle driver's inadequate visual lookout and failure to follow established procedures. A contributing factor was the dark nighttime condition.
Sep 28, 2002 Mineral Wells, TX N7926R Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate which resulted hard landing and a subsequent failure of the main landing gear.
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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