FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Airplane Encounters Downdraft on Final Approach, Lands Short of Runway (N3338R)

Warwick, NY, US

On February 9, 2003, a Cessna 182R (registration N3338R) was involved in an aviation accident near Warwick, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds, and his failure to maintain the proper descent rate. A factor in the accident was the gusty wind conditions. 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 airplane experienced a sudden severe downdraft on final approach to runway 21, contacting the ground 50 feet short of the threshold. The nose gear separated and the propeller struck the ground before the airplane slid to a stop on the runway.

Incident Overview

An airplane was on final approach to runway 21, a 2,150-foot-long asphalt runway. According to the pilot, the aircraft encountered a "sudden severe downdraft" just before touchdown. The airplane subsequently contacted the ground approximately 50 feet prior to the runway threshold.

Sequence of Events

Upon impact with the ground, a portion of the nose gear separated from the aircraft. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane slid for about 100 feet before coming to rest on the runway.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at an airport located about 18 miles north-northeast of the accident site were from 260 degrees at 12 knots, with gusts up to 20 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2003 Cessna 182R accident near Warwick, NY?

An airplane experienced a sudden severe downdraft on final approach to runway 21, contacting the ground 50 feet short of the threshold. The nose gear separated and the propeller struck the ground before the airplane slid to a stop on the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 2003 Cessna 182R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2003 involved a Cessna 182R, registration N3338R, at Warwick, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds, and his failure to maintain the proper descent rate. A factor in the accident was the gusty wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030218X00230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.