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Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Short of Runway Threshold and Destroyed by Post-Impact Fire (N621BP)

Cloverdale, CA, US

On June 9, 2004, a Harold W Bruce RV-6 (registration N621BP) was involved in an aviation accident near Cloverdale, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and selection of the wrong runway, and his inadequate compensation for the gusting tail wind conditions, which resulted in a stall/mush. 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 a landing attempt, the airplane impacted about 10 feet short of the runway threshold in a level attitude. Witnesses reported gusty winds from the northwest. A post-impact fire destroyed the airplane; no preimpact mechanical failure was found.

Event Description

The accident occurred while the airplane was attempting to land. The aircraft impacted the ground in a level attitude approximately 10 feet short of the runway threshold. The landing was being conducted to the southeast on runway 14.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses present at the airport estimated that the wind conditions at the time were from the northwest at 15 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots.

Investigation

Following the impact, a fire ensued and destroyed the airplane. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage and found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2004 Harold W Bruce RV-6 accident near Cloverdale, CA?

During a landing attempt, the airplane impacted about 10 feet short of the runway threshold in a level attitude. Witnesses reported gusty winds from the northwest. A post-impact fire destroyed the airplane; no preimpact mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2004 involved a Harold W Bruce RV-6, registration N621BP, at Cloverdale, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and selection of the wrong runway, and his inadequate compensation for the gusting tail wind conditions, which resulted in a stall/mush.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040616X00815. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.