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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Wind Gust Pushes It Off Runway (N4733F)

Desert Center, CA, US

On July 4, 1997, a Cessna P206B (registration N4733F) was involved in an aviation accident near Desert Center, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The gust of wind that pushed the aircraft off the runway prior to liftoff, which led to the collision with a bush and subsequent fire. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A gust of wind pushed an aircraft off the runway just before takeoff. The plane hit a bush and caught fire. Dust devils were observed in the area.

What happened

The accident occurred during the pre-takeoff phase of flight. Prior to liftoff, the aircraft was subjected to a gust of wind that pushed it off the runway surface. Following this displacement from the paved area, the aircraft collided with a bush. The impact resulted in a fire that completely consumed the aircraft.

During the departure sequence from the accident site, the pilot observed specific weather phenomena. Three dust devils were noted moving away from the runway, while two others were traveling toward the runway. These conditions are characteristic of summer months and are not linked to any specific wind direction or speed.

Probable cause

The gust of wind that pushed the aircraft off the runway prior to liftoff, which led to the collision with a bush and subsequent fire.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1997 Cessna P206B accident near Desert Center, CA?

A gust of wind pushed an aircraft off the runway just before takeoff. The plane hit a bush and caught fire. Dust devils were observed in the area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna P206B, registration N4733F, at Desert Center, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The gust of wind that pushed the aircraft off the runway prior to liftoff, which led to the collision with a bush and subsequent fire.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08420. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.