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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Nose Over After Hard Landing Following Downdraft on Short Final (N6995E)

Stanley, ID, US

On March 6, 1994, a Cessna 175A (registration N6995E) was involved in an aviation accident near Stanley, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE. FACTORS INCLUDE DOWNDRAFTS ON FINAL APPROACH. 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

During short final to a 2,100-foot airstrip, the aircraft encountered a downdraft over a river, leading to an increased descent rate. A hard three-point landing sheared the nose gear fork, causing a bounce, then a second touchdown on main gear, and finally a nose-over when the nose gear strut dug into soft earth.

Incident Sequence

While on short final approach to a 2,100-foot-long airstrip, the aircraft entered a downdraft as it passed over a river. The rate of descent increased during the downdraft and continued to the point of touchdown. The aircraft then experienced a very hard three-point landing, during which the nose gear fork sheared from the strut. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce back into the air. It touched down a second time, landing on the main landing gear only. When the pilot subsequently lowered the nose gear to the runway, the nose gear strut dug into the soft earth, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Damage

The nose gear fork sheared from the strut during the initial hard landing. The nose gear strut dug into the ground during the final landing sequence. The aircraft nosed over as a result.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 1994 Cessna 175A accident near Stanley, ID?

During short final to a 2,100-foot airstrip, the aircraft encountered a downdraft over a river, leading to an increased descent rate. A hard three-point landing sheared the nose gear fork, causing a bounce, then a second touchdown on main gear, and finally a nose-over when the nose gear strut dug into soft earth.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 1994 involved a Cessna 175A, registration N6995E, at Stanley, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE. FACTORS INCLUDE DOWNDRAFTS ON FINAL APPROACH.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00999. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.