On August 1, 2019, a Douglas DC3C A operated by Bush Air Fuel was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path in gusting crosswind wind conditions, which resulted in landing short of the runway and impact with a ditch and runway light. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During approach, a tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a downdraft, landed short, struck a ditch and a runway light, resulting in substantial fuselage damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures and strong gusty crosswinds.
Incident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was on approach when he encountered a downdraft. The tailwheel contacted the ground short of the runway threshold, then struck a ditch and subsequently impacted a runway light. The pilot reported that the wind conditions at the time included a "22+ knot front left quartering crosswind and gusting."
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the impact with the ditch and the runway light. No other damage to the aircraft was reported.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot attributed the event to the downdraft and crosswind conditions encountered during the approach.
Contributing factors
Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation
Related events
Same aircraft family
8 May 2026 — DOUGLAS DC3C (Desert Air Transport Inc.)