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Short Landing Leads to Nose Gear Collapse and Postcrash Fire at Private Airport (N5686B)

Roche Harbor, WA, US

On June 16, 1996, a Cessna 182 (registration N5686B) operated by Walther, George, R. was involved in an aviation accident near Roche Harbor, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to attain a proper touchdown point for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: downdraft conditions and soft/uneven terrain short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach to runway 24 at a private airport, a downdraft caused the aircraft to touch down more than 100 feet short of the threshold. The nose landing gear collapsed on soft terrain, and the aircraft skidded onto the runway before a postcrash fire consumed it. All four occupants exited the aircraft.

Accident Overview

On final approach to runway 24 at a private airport, the pilot encountered a downdraft. As a result, the aircraft touched down more than 100 feet before the runway threshold, landing on soft, uneven terrain.

Sequence of Events

During the rollout over the rough terrain preceding the threshold, the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft continued forward, passing onto the runway surface and skidding to a stop. A postcrash fire then engulfed the aircraft, completely consuming it.

Aftermath

All four occupants were able to exit the aircraft before the fire took hold. No further details were provided regarding injuries or the condition of the occupants. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire.

Weather

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1996 Cessna 182 accident near Roche Harbor, WA?

During final approach to runway 24 at a private airport, a downdraft caused the aircraft to touch down more than 100 feet short of the threshold. The nose landing gear collapsed on soft terrain, and the aircraft skidded onto the runway before a postcrash fire consumed it. All four occupants exited the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jun 1996 Cessna 182 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1996 involved a Cessna 182, registration N5686B, operated by Walther, George, R., at Roche Harbor, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to attain a proper touchdown point for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: downdraft conditions and soft/uneven terrain short of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06118. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.