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Wind Shear Encounter During Mountain Airstrip Takeoff Leads to Hard Landing and Nose-Over

Kalispell, MT, United States

On July 31, 2016, a CESSNA 177 A was involved in an aviation accident near Kalispell, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's hard landing during an aborted takeoff, following an encounter with a downdraft during takeoff initial climb from a remote mountain airstrip, resulting in an uncontrolled descent, attempt to land on the runway remaining, and subsequent nose… This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during takeoff from a mountain airstrip, the airplane encountered extreme wind shear and a downdraft, causing a rapid descent. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway but the airplane touched down hard, bounced, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

During a takeoff from a mountain airstrip, the pilot reported that while climbing just above the trees lining the runway, the airplane encountered an "extreme wind shear and an enormous downdraft." The pilot noted that the airplane began to descend at a rate of 1500 to 2000 feet per minute. In response, the pilot decided to abort the climb and land on the remaining runway.

Landing and Aftermath

The subsequent landing was a hard touchdown, causing the airplane to bounce and then nose over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Determination

No probable cause is stated in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Climb rate — Not attained/maintainedPitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationLanding flare — Not attained/maintained
Weather

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2016 CESSNA 177 A accident near Kalispell, MT?

A pilot reported that during takeoff from a mountain airstrip, the airplane encountered extreme wind shear and a downdraft, causing a rapid descent. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway but the airplane touched down hard, bounced, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 2016 CESSNA 177 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2016 involved a CESSNA 177 A, at Kalispell, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane's hard landing during an aborted takeoff, following an encounter with a downdraft during takeoff initial climb from a remote mountain airstrip, resulting in an uncontrolled descent, attempt to land on the runway remaining, and subsequent nose over.

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