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Pilot Reports Wind Shear After Hard Landing at Ramona (N756CF)

Ramona, CA, US

On April 4, 1999, a Cessna U206G (registration N756CF) operated by Pinnacle Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Ramona, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin to compensate for the variable wind conditions existing at the time of the landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing practice at Ramona, an aircraft on short final with full flaps and normal approach speed experienced a sudden high sink rate, colliding with the ground. The pilot cited wind shear.

Accident Details

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings at Ramona reported a sudden high sink rate during the final approach. According to the pilot, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and at a normal approach speed on short final when a very high sink rate developed unexpectedly. The pilot stated he was unable to arrest the descent before the aircraft collided with the ground.

Wind Conditions

The pilot noted that during prior landings, the winds had been variable, shifting 10 degrees or more on either side of the runway heading. He believed he encountered a wind shear. The aviation surface weather observation (METAR) taken 11 minutes after the accident reported winds from 260 degrees at 7 knots, variable between 230 and 290 degrees.

Pilot Statement

The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was uninjured. He provided the account to investigators, emphasizing the sudden onset of the high sink rate and his inability to prevent the ground contact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 1999 Cessna U206G accident near Ramona, CA?

During landing practice at Ramona, an aircraft on short final with full flaps and normal approach speed experienced a sudden high sink rate, colliding with the ground. The pilot cited wind shear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 1999 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N756CF, operated by Pinnacle Aviation, at Ramona, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin to compensate for the variable wind conditions existing at the time of the landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00491. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.