FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Hard Landing on Private Strip Due to Downdraft (N206BA)

Warren, OH, US

On July 23, 1982, a Cessna 206G (registration N206BA) operated by Arthur A. Abell was involved in an aviation accident near Warren, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to flare before touchdown due to a downdraft encountered on short final approach. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot encountered a downdraft while on short final approach to a private strip, resulting in a hard landing and aircraft damage.

What happened

The pilot was conducting an approach to land on Runway 09 at a private airfield. Wind conditions were reported from 020 degrees at 12 to 15 knots. During the final phase of the approach, specifically while passing over a tree line on short final, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. The pilot was unable to flare the aircraft before it contacted the runway surface. The resulting impact caused the aircraft to touch down hard and sustain damage.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the accident was the encounter with a downdraft during the critical landing phase. This weather phenomenon prevented the pilot from executing a proper flare, leading to a high sink rate at touchdown.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to flare before touchdown due to a downdraft encountered on short final approach.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 1982 Cessna 206G accident near Warren, OH?

A pilot encountered a downdraft while on short final approach to a private strip, resulting in a hard landing and aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 1982 involved a Cessna 206G, registration N206BA, operated by Arthur A. Abell, at Warren, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to flare before touchdown due to a downdraft encountered on short final approach.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02999. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.