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Downdraft Encountered During Landing at Wilson Bar Airstrip Leads to Overrun and Nose-Over (N3458Y)

Mccall, ID, US

On September 8, 2004, a Cessna 180H (registration N3458Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Mccall, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain proper touchdown point for landing on the backcountry airstrip. Contributing factors were downdraft weather conditions and the pilot's excessive speed for landing. 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

A pilot landing at Wilson Bar Airstrip reported downdrafts on approach, leading to a long landing, runway overrun, and nose-over. The aircraft sustained damage.

Incident Details

During the base leg approach to Wilson Bar Airstrip, the pilot reported encountering several moderate downdrafts. The final approach was flown at an airspeed of 65 to 70 miles per hour. On short final, a severe downdraft was encountered. The pilot applied full power and managed to keep the aircraft from entering the river, but the subsequent airspeed became excessive. The aircraft landed long on the 1,500-foot runway, overran the end, and nosed over.

Aircraft Damage

The engine mount, firewall, and cowling were bent. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent. The right wing and right horizontal stabilizer were bent and wrinkled.

Runway Characteristics

In the additional remarks for Wilson Bar USFS Airstrip on AirNav.com, it is stated: "Strip downdrafts prevalent on approach to runway 24."

Runway excursionWeather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 2004 Cessna 180H accident near Mccall, ID?

A pilot landing at Wilson Bar Airstrip reported downdrafts on approach, leading to a long landing, runway overrun, and nose-over. The aircraft sustained damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Sept 2004 Cessna 180H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 2004 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N3458Y, at Mccall, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain proper touchdown point for landing on the backcountry airstrip. Contributing factors were downdraft weather conditions and the pilot's excessive speed for landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040930X01545. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.