What happened
On the afternoon of July 16, 1993, a Beech B-60, registration N75CX, was performing a business flight from Hermiston, Oregon, to Fairfield, Idaho. While attempting to land on the gravel runway at Camas County Airport, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway length. The aircraft, operated by a private pilot, touched down on runway 7 near the center of the 2-950-foot airstrip. Following the touchdown, the plane skidded toward the eastern edge of the runway, where it exited the paved surface and struck a ditch and an earthen embankment.
The accident resulted in two serious injuries and one minor injury among the occupants. The aircraft was a total loss due to the impact, though no fire occurred during the event. Local authorities noted that tire marks on the runway indicated the braking or contact sequence began approximately 1,400 feet from the western end of the strip.
Findings
Evidence from the scene and witness accounts suggests that significant wind conditions contributed to the excursion. One witness reported that the pilot landed in downwind conditions estimated between 15 and 20 knots. Another pilot on site observed that the airport wind socks were fully extended, suggesting a west-to-east wind velocity exceeding 25 MPH with gusts reaching between 30 and 35 MPH. Landing with a significant tailwind likely contributed to the increased ground speed and the inability to decelerate before the end of the runway.