Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the unfavorable winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During landing runway 17 the pilot encountered a 'severe down draft' and the aircraft impacted short resulting in damage to the fuselage and wings. Evidence at the accident scene (bent vegetation) revealed strong gusting winds from the south. The pilot reported wind was from the south at about 20 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 5, 1994, at 1145 central daylight time, a Winn RV-6A, N600CW, was substantially damaged during landing at Marble Falls, Texas. The pilot/owner was not injured during the visual meteorological conditions flight. During an interview with the pilot, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that during the approach to runway 17 the aircraft "encountered a severe down draft and was slammed into a slope 30 - 50 feet from the runway." The resulting impact damaged the fuselage and wings. A video taken at the scene exhibited the vegetation bent over from southerly winds. The pilot reported winds from the south at about 20 knots under clear skies. -