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.
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.