On October 5, 1994, a Winn RV-6A (registration N600CW) was involved in an aviation accident near Marble Falls, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude control while encountering severe downdrafts and gusting winds during the landing phase, which resulted in an impact short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot encountered a severe downdraft during the landing phase on runway 17, causing the aircraft to impact the ground short of the runway and sustain significant structural damage.
What happened
During the final approach and landing sequence on runway 17, the pilot reported encountering a severe downdraft. This sudden change in wind conditions caused the aircraft to lose altitude prematurely, resulting in an impact with the ground short of the runway threshold. The force of the collision caused substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
The investigation
Investigation of the accident scene provided critical evidence regarding the environmental conditions at the time of the event. Investigators observed bent vegetation surrounding the impact site, which indicated the presence of strong gusting winds. Meteorological data and pilot reports confirmed that the wind was coming from the south at approximately 20 knots, contributing to the turbulent conditions experienced during the landing attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude control while encountering severe downdrafts and gusting winds during the landing phase, which resulted in an impact short of the runway.