On May 19, 1993, a Cessna 180H (registration N8237V) operated by Sherod, William N. was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMANDS IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITION. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported encountering an unstoppable severe downdraft at 400 feet MSL during a climbing right turn. A later flight found stable air with no downdrafts, and no pilot reports of such conditions were received by the local flight service station.
Incident Overview
A pilot in command reported that while executing a climbing right turn at an altitude of 400 feet MSL, the aircraft encountered a severe downdraft. Despite applying full power, the pilot stated he was unable to arrest the descent.
Subsequent Observations
A commercial pilot who departed along the same route approximately 15 minutes after the occurrence reported that the air was stable and that no downdrafts were encountered during the flight.
Absence of Prior Reports
On the day of the accident, the Flight Service Station (FSS) in Ketchikan did not receive any pilot reports of severe downdrafts in the Ketchikan Bay area.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 May 1993 Cessna 180H accident near Ketchikan, AK?
A pilot reported encountering an unstoppable severe downdraft at 400 feet MSL during a climbing right turn. A later flight found stable air with no downdrafts, and no pilot reports of such conditions were received by the local flight service station.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 May 1993 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N8237V, operated by Sherod, William N., at Ketchikan, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMANDS IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITION. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND.
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