Casualties unknown

Gust and Downdraft Encountered During Landing Attempt (N3169V)

Sierraville, CA, US

On April 30, 1989, a Beech 35 (registration N3169V) was involved in an aviation accident near Sierraville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO LAND DOWNWIND ON THE RUNWAY AND THE INABILITY TO ATTAIN A CLIMB AFTER ABORTING THE LANDING WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO THE GROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported severe downdrafts during approach; a witness observed a low, fast approach and a gust lifting the right wing during touchdown, followed by a stall and runway contact.

Incident Overview

A single-engine aircraft experienced a runway contact incident during a landing attempt. The pilot stated that the winds were from 210 degrees at 12 knots. A witness observed the aircraft approaching runway 03 low and fast. According to the witness, the main landing gear had just touched down on the runway when a gust of wind from the right lifted the right wing. The pilot then pulled the nose up in what appeared to be a go-around maneuver. However, the wing stalled and subsequently contacted the runway.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported encountering a severe downdraft while on final approach. In response, the pilot added full power. Shortly after, the pilot encountered another downdraft before the aircraft collided with the runway.

Sequence of Events

The incident occurred during an attempted landing on runway 03. The aircraft was observed to be low and fast on final approach. After initial touchdown, a gust of wind from the right caused the right wing to rise. The pilot initiated a go-around by pulling the nose up, but the wing stalled and struck the runway. The pilot’s report of downdrafts on final approach and during the go-around attempt suggests challenging wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28139. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.