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Private Pilot Encounters Downbursts During Landing, Strikes Terrain Short of Runway (N736NB)

Tooele, UT, US

On July 2, 1990, a Cessna 172XP (registration N736NB) operated by Terry Jones was involved in an aviation accident near Tooele, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHTS ENCOUNTER WITH TURBLENCE ON FINAL WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. 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

A private pilot on a cross-country flight encountered strong downdrafts and a downburst on final approach, resulting in a hard landing short of the runway, damaging the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was landing after a cross-country flight. According to the pilot, the weather briefing indicated thunderstorms and moderate turbulence along the route, as well as virga in the Salt Lake City area.

Sequence of Events

While on final approach at approximately one mile from the runway, the airplane encountered a strong downdraft followed by an updraft. On short final, the flight experienced another strong downburst. The aircraft was at 50 feet above ground level (AGL) when the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, the descent could not be arrested.

Impact and Damage

The airplane struck terrain 50 feet short of the runway. It subsequently hit a cross ditch, shearing the nose gear and main gear, and bending the left wing spar.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported adding full power upon encountering the downburst, but the aircraft continued to descend, leading to the impact.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1990 Cessna 172XP accident near Tooele, UT?

A private pilot on a cross-country flight encountered strong downdrafts and a downburst on final approach, resulting in a hard landing short of the runway, damaging the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jul 1990 Cessna 172XP accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1990 involved a Cessna 172XP, registration N736NB, operated by Terry Jones, at Tooele, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FLIGHTS ENCOUNTER WITH TURBLENCE ON FINAL WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE GROUND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23674. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.