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Pilot Encounters Possible Microburst; Propeller Strikes Runway, Airplane Hits Sign (N72638)

Steamboat Spngs, CO, US

On June 29, 2007, a Cessna T206H (registration N72638) was involved in an aviation accident near Steamboat Spngs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent encounter with adverse weather conditions (dirt devils/whirlwinds) and his inability to control the airplane during that encounter resulting in the airplane impacting the runway, subsequently going off the side of the runway, and… 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 encountered a possible microburst during landing, resulting in the propeller striking the runway and the airplane hitting a taxiway sign. The pilot executed a go-around and landed safely. Substantial damage was sustained to the left bottom fuselage, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer.

Accident Sequence

During landing, the airplane encountered what the pilot described as a possible microburst. After traveling approximately 300 feet, the tail of the airplane lifted, the right wing dropped, and the propeller struck the runway. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and struck a taxiway sign. The impact with the sign caused substantial damage to the left bottom fuselage, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot immediately initiated a go-around, flew the traffic pattern, and landed without further incident.

Wind Conditions

Approximately 2 minutes before the landing, the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) reported winds from 230 degrees at 3 knots. At Hayden, Colorado (249 degrees at 30 miles), conditions about 10 minutes before the event showed winds from 210 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 17 knots. Twenty minutes earlier, winds were from 190 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 14 knots. Ten minutes after the event, winds were reported at 210 degrees at 8 knots, with variability between 170 and 230 degrees. The airport manager reported observing "dirt devils" on the airport before and after the event.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. The airplane was not further damaged during the subsequent landing.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jun 2007 Cessna T206H accident near Steamboat Spngs, CO?

A pilot encountered a possible microburst during landing, resulting in the propeller striking the runway and the airplane hitting a taxiway sign. The pilot executed a go-around and landed safely. Substantial damage was sustained to the left bottom fuselage, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jun 2007 Cessna T206H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jun 2007 involved a Cessna T206H, registration N72638, at Steamboat Spngs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent encounter with adverse weather conditions (dirt devils/whirlwinds) and his inability to control the airplane during that encounter resulting in the airplane impacting the runway, subsequently going off the side of the runway, and striking a taxiway sign. A factor contributing to the accident…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070727X01031. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.