Casualties unknown

Aircraft Nose Gear Collapses During Ground Loop Attempt After Gust Encounter on Backcountry Strip (N35854)

Imnaha, OR, US

On May 5, 2001, a Cessna U206F (registration N35854) was involved in an aviation accident near Imnaha, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. Wind gusts were 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N35854
Aircraft registered N35854. Photo: R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During landing on a backcountry strip, a gust of wind lifted the aircraft after touchdown. The pilot continued the landing, attempted a ground loop, but the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.

Incident Details

During the landing roll on a remote backcountry airstrip surrounded by rising terrain, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind just after touchdown. The gust lifted the aircraft, which was then dropped back to the surface. The pilot chose to continue the landing rather than execute a go-around.

As the aircraft continued down the strip, it became apparent that there was insufficient room to stop before running off the end of the airstrip. In an effort to avoid overrunning, the pilot intentionally attempted to ground loop the aircraft. During the ground loop maneuver, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported that the winds were gusting to in excess of 20 knots at the time of the landing. The airstrip was described as remote and surrounded by rising terrain, which may have contributed to turbulent conditions.

Damage

As a result of the nose gear collapse and nose-over, the aircraft sustained damage. No further details regarding the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 2001 Cessna U206F accident near Imnaha, OR?

During landing on a backcountry strip, a gust of wind lifted the aircraft after touchdown. The pilot continued the landing, attempted a ground loop, but the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 2001 involved a Cessna U206F, registration N35854, at Imnaha, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. Wind gusts were a factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010507X00901. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.