Aircraft impacts ground short of runway during final approach

Casualties unknown • Cube Cove, AK, US

An aircraft impacted the ground approximately 100 feet short of the runway threshold following a downwind and downhill final approach.

What happened

The aircraft was performing its final approach to the south, flying over high terrain that sloped downward toward the airstrip. The topography featured a descent to a low point approximately 200 feet from the runway threshold, after which the ground rose upward toward the airstrip.

Weather conditions at the time included winds from the north at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 20 knots. Witnesses on the ground reported experiencing occasional higher gusts of wind. After completing three to four passes and circles around the airstrip, the aircraft's final approach path was positioned downwind and downhill. The aircraft subsequently impacted a clear-cut area of ground, located approximately 100 feet short and 200 feet to the west of the runway centerline.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-02-09 Stinson 108-2 accident near Cube Cove, AK?

An aircraft impacted the ground approximately 100 feet short of the runway threshold following a downwind and downhill final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-02-09 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N905D, operated by George W. Mcneven, at Cube Cove, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE ENCOUNTER OF WINDSHEAR DURING THE FINAL APPROACH AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN FLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISIONS BY ELECTING TO LAND DOWNWIND. FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE ROUGH AND UNEVEN TERRAIN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14056. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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