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N3406S Lands Short of Runway, Nose Gear Collapses

Aurora, CO, US

On January 10, 1988, a Cessna 182G (registration N3406S) operated by Hutchins, Hervey S., IV was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to properly judge his altitude over the flat, unbroken snow field, leading to a touchdown 100 feet short of the runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft N3406S touched down 100 feet short of runway 32 in snow-covered terrain. The nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot reported misjudging altitude over the snow field.

Accident Details

The accident involved aircraft N3406S during a landing attempt on runway 32. Runway 32 is an asphalt runway measuring 5,000 feet in length and 40 feet in width. The runway surface was reported as clear and dry. However, the terrain surrounding the runway was covered by 12 to 15 inches of snow. The wind, as reported from an airport located 5 miles to the southwest, was from 160 degrees at 5 knots.

Pilot Report

In his report of the accident, the pilot indicated that he failed to properly judge his altitude while approaching over the flat, unbroken snow field. This misjudgment resulted in the aircraft touching down approximately 100 feet short of the intended runway threshold.

Damage

Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to properly judge his altitude over the flat, unbroken snow field, leading to a touchdown 100 feet short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jan 1988 Cessna 182G accident near Aurora, CO?

Aircraft N3406S touched down 100 feet short of runway 32 in snow-covered terrain. The nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot reported misjudging altitude over the snow field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jan 1988 involved a Cessna 182G, registration N3406S, operated by Hutchins, Hervey S., IV, at Aurora, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to properly judge his altitude over the flat, unbroken snow field, leading to a touchdown 100 feet short of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24884. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.