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Flight Instructor Reports High Descent Rate and Downdraft During Final Approach (N6716J)

Chandler, AZ, US

On September 25, 2007, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6716J) operated by Brian K. Brooks was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while landing, which resulted in an undershoot and an in-flight collision with terrain. 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 flight instructor reported that during a short field landing practice, the descent rate exceeded 500 feet per minute, and the student was slow to add power. A downdraft or wind shear was felt before the right main landing gear struck the runway edge.

Accident Details

A flight instructor was coaching a student pilot on a short field landing to Runway 17. While on a one-mile final approach, the instructor observed that the airplane's descent rate was greater than 500 feet per minute. The instructor advised the student to increase power, but the student appeared "slow" to respond.

Approximately 300 feet before the threshold of Runway 17, the instructor reported a "sinking feeling," which he characterized as a downdraft or vertical wind shear. Subsequently, the airplane's right main landing gear impacted the edge of the asphalt runway, which protrudes a foot higher than the surrounding terrain at that location.

Damage and Post-Impact

The impact displaced the right main landing gear backward. The airplane skidded to a stop about 1,000 feet down the runway. Post-accident inspection revealed damage including the right main landing gear bent aft, a hole in the top of the right wing adjacent to the fuel cell, damage to the right flap and right aileron, and wrinkling on the left side of the fuselage.

Mechanical Condition

The flight instructor stated that there were no known mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 2007 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Chandler, AZ?

A flight instructor reported that during a short field landing practice, the descent rate exceeded 500 feet per minute, and the student was slow to add power. A downdraft or wind shear was felt before the right main landing gear struck the runway edge.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 2007 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6716J, operated by Brian K. Brooks, at Chandler, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while landing, which resulted in an undershoot and an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the downdraft, the uneven terrain, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071026X01668. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.