On January 15, 2004, a Piper PA-32R (registration N4136S) was involved in an aviation accident near Poynor, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach due to a downdraft, which resulted in the aircraft landing short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered a downdraft on final approach to runway 17, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly and land short of the paved surface.
What happened
The pilot, who held a total of 5,217 flight hours, was conducting an approach to runway 17. During the final segment of the landing phase, he reported encountering a downdraft that caused the aircraft to descend at a rate faster than normal for the situation. As a result of this rapid descent, the landing gear struck a barbed wire fence located near the airport perimeter. The aircraft subsequently touched down approximately 7 feet short of the runway pavement. At the time of the incident, the runway was reported to be 3,200 feet in length and 40 feet in width.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the downdraft encountered during the final approach. This weather phenomenon caused an excessive rate of descent, leading to the aircraft impacting the fence and landing short of the intended runway surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach due to a downdraft, which resulted in the aircraft landing short of the runway.
What happened in the 15 Jan 2004 Piper PA-32R accident near Poynor, TX?
A pilot encountered a downdraft on final approach to runway 17, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly and land short of the paved surface.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jan 2004 involved a Piper PA-32R, registration N4136S, at Poynor, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach due to a downdraft, which resulted in the aircraft landing short of the runway.
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