On October 8, 1996, a Cessna 182Q (registration N759RE) was involved in an aviation accident near Manzanita, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach due to a sudden change in wind conditions, which resulted in a stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a sudden loss of wind during final approach, causing the aircraft to stall and settle onto sandy terrain short of the runway threshold.
What happened
The pilot conducted pre-landing checks by observing the windsock before initiating a downwind entry for landing. During the final approach phase, the aircraft encountered a quartering headwind that persisted until shortly before touchdown. Just prior to contact with the ground, the wind conditions changed abruptly as the airflow ceased. This sudden shift caused the airplane to lose lift and stall, resulting in it settling onto sandy terrain approximately 50 feet short of the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to flip over.
The investigation
The pilot reported that the loss of airspeed was directly linked to the abrupt cessation of the quartering headwind just before landing. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the stall.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach due to a sudden change in wind conditions, which resulted in a stall.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Oct 1996 Cessna 182Q accident near Manzanita, OR?
A pilot experienced a sudden loss of wind during final approach, causing the aircraft to stall and settle onto sandy terrain short of the runway threshold.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N759RE, at Manzanita, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach due to a sudden change in wind conditions, which resulted in a stall.
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