On March 12, 1982, a Beech A36TC (registration N3738J) operated by Ted Mollring was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a normal approach, a pilot encountered severe downdraft with gusts up to 60 knots. After aborting landing and turning to avoid a hill, the aircraft struck a powerline and crashed on a gravel road.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a routine approach, the aircraft encountered a severe downdraft in winds gusting between 40 and 60 knots. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around by raising the landing gear and applying full power. The pilot stated that he turned right to avoid a hill but was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear a house. Consequently, he reduced power and guided the aircraft down into an open area.
Witness and Passenger Accounts
A witness observed that the plane appeared to enter an area of sinking air that is typically present on the approach end of that runway during high westerly winds. The passenger reported that the right wing clipped a powerline shortly before the aircraft descended at a shallow angle.
Crash Details
The aircraft crashed on a gravel road approximately 1,000 feet from the approach end of the runway. The elevation at the site was about 5,300 feet MSL. No further details regarding the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.