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.
What happened in the 5 Oct 1994 Winn RV-6A accident near Marble Falls, TX?
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 aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Oct 1994 involved a Winn RV-6A, registration N600CW, at Marble Falls, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…