Casualties unknown

Aircraft Lands Short of Runway 35, Strikes Tree and Parked Bonanza (N3900D)

Silverdale, WA, US

On July 18, 1999, a Cessna 182A (registration N3900D) was involved in an aviation accident near Silverdale, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's misjudgment of distance/altitude (undershoot) on final, and his failure to maintain directional control during the aborted 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

An aircraft on approach to a divert airport's runway 35 touched down 90 feet short of the threshold, collided with a tree and a parked Beech Bonanza. The pilot reported low and slow approach, engine power issues, and loss of control.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported being 'low and slow' on approach to a divert airport's runway 35, leading to a landing short of the threshold. An FAA inspector observed wheel touchdown marks 90 feet before the runway threshold. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree and a parked Beech Bonanza.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he gave the aircraft more power but 'felt that there was not enough pressure and the nose pitched up' causing a loss of view of the runway. He then reported a loss of control on landing to the right side.

Witness Statement

A witness described seeing the aircraft 'landing with full flaps, low energy nose high attitude.' The witness further reported hearing the engine speed increase followed by 'a pop of the engine,' after which the engine remained at full throttle for approximately eight seconds. Winds were reported as calm at the time.

FAA Inspector Observations

An FAA inspector documented wheel touchdown marks located 90 feet short of the runway 35 threshold. The inspector's findings corroborate the short landing.

Collision

Following the loss of control and the aircraft veering to the right, it struck a tree and then a parked Beech Bonanza. No further details on damage or occupants are provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 1999 Cessna 182A accident near Silverdale, WA?

An aircraft on approach to a divert airport's runway 35 touched down 90 feet short of the threshold, collided with a tree and a parked Beech Bonanza. The pilot reported low and slow approach, engine power issues, and loss of control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 1999 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N3900D, at Silverdale, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's misjudgment of distance/altitude (undershoot) on final, and his failure to maintain directional control during the aborted landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19376. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.