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Casualties unknown

Downdraft Causes Tree Impact and Inversion During Final Approach (N7653X)

Collegeville, PA, US

On April 16, 2005, a Cessna 172B (registration N7653X) was involved in an aviation accident near Collegeville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with trees. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft 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

On final approach, an airplane encountered a sudden downdraft, struck a tree with its left wing, then impacted a road and came to rest inverted.

Event Details

As the airplane crossed over a treeline on final approach to the runway, it encountered a sudden downdraft. The airplane then began to descend, and the left wing impacted a tree. The airplane rotated to the left, continued to descend, and impacted a road, before coming to rest inverted.

Meteorological Conditions

An airport located about 6 miles to the west reported winds at 1054 from 050 degrees at 12 knots, with gusts to 17 knots. The downdraft encountered during approach is consistent with wind conditions that could produce turbulence near the treeline.

Aftermath

The airplane came to rest inverted on the road after the sequence of impacts. No further details about the aircraft or occupants are available from the source.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 2005 Cessna 172B accident near Collegeville, PA?

On final approach, an airplane encountered a sudden downdraft, struck a tree with its left wing, then impacted a road and came to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 2005 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N7653X, at Collegeville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with trees. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft 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/20050503X00536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.