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Witness Reports High Approach and Tailwind in Runway Excursion at Kernville Airport (N2687G)

Kernville, CA, US

On May 26, 1991, a Cessna 182B (registration N2687G) operated by John L. Foley was involved in an aviation accident near Kernville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 1)THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ACCURATELY ASSESS AND COMPENSATE FOR THE PREVAILING WIND CONDITIONS; 2) HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A CORRECT APPROACH SPEED FOR THE AIRCRAFT; 3) HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT; AND 4) HIS FAILURE TO INITIATE A GO… 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 witness at Kernville Airport observed an aircraft on a high final approach with a no-flap slip into a right quartering tailwind, floating at 20 feet AGL before deploying flaps late and running off the runway into rocks.

Witness Observation

A witness located at the Kernville Airport observed an aircraft perform a high final approach to Runway 17, executing a no-flap slipping approach. The witness reported surface winds at the time as a right quartering tailwind at 20 knots with gusts to 35 knots.

Approach and Landing

According to the witness, the aircraft crossed the landing threshold at approximately 20 feet above ground level (AGL) at an estimated speed exceeding 100 mph. After crossing the threshold, the aircraft floated down the runway at an altitude of about 20 feet AGL. The witness noted that the flaps were deployed only after the aircraft passed the halfway point of the runway.

Runway Excursion

The aircraft continued beyond the departure end of the runway and collided with rocks. The witness's account provides the sole description of the event, with no further details available regarding the aircraft type, occupants, or post-impact conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 May 1991 Cessna 182B accident near Kernville, CA?

A witness at Kernville Airport observed an aircraft on a high final approach with a no-flap slip into a right quartering tailwind, floating at 20 feet AGL before deploying flaps late and running off the runway into rocks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 May 1991 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N2687G, operated by John L. Foley, at Kernville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

1)THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ACCURATELY ASSESS AND COMPENSATE FOR THE PREVAILING WIND CONDITIONS; 2) HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A CORRECT APPROACH SPEED FOR THE AIRCRAFT; 3) HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT; AND 4) HIS FAILURE TO INITIATE A GO AROUND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17053. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.