Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Wind Shear on Short Final, Lands Short of Airstrip (N7405)

Roche Harbor, WA, US

On May 18, 1997, a Cessna 207 (registration N7405) was involved in an aviation accident near Roche Harbor, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate remedial action upon encountering a downdraft on final approach. The downdraft was a factor. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that while on short final to a one-way-in airstrip with a quartering right tailwind, the aircraft experienced a sudden downdraft, struck the ground 50 feet short, and sustained damage during the landing roll.

Accident Details

The pilot of an airplane was on short final for landing at a one-way-in airstrip with a quartering right tailwind. According to the pilot's report, he felt a slight 'push' from above and behind the airplane, prompting him to apply a little power and up-elevator. Approximately one second later, the pilot felt the airplane descend toward the tall grass overrun, describing it as a 'powerful, yet smooth down draft or wind shear.'

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he applied full power and up-elevator, but the airplane continued to descend and struck the ground at about 60 knots, 50 feet short of the airstrip. During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed down. The right wing then contacted the surface, causing the airplane to spin around about 60 degrees to the right.

Aftermath

The operator reported that the wind was from 030 degrees at 12 knots at the time of the accident. No further details about injuries or aircraft damage were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08026. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.