Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the downdraft and his failure to maintain the proper glidepath.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that on short final approach he encountered downdrafts, and the airplane's rate of descent increased. The pilot said that he attempted to compensate for the increased vertical descent rate by adding engine power. The pilot further reported that as the engine power was increasing, the airplane collided with a corn field an estimated 340 feet short of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 17, 1993, at 2023 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 210F, N1842F, operated by the pilot, descended into a corn field on short final approach to runway 26 at the Chino Airport, Chino, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor the two passengers was injured. The flight originated from Murrieta, California, on September 17, 1993, at 2000. On September 18, 1993, the pilot was interviewed via telephone. The pilot reported that after receiving a landing clearance he continued descending toward the assigned runway. The airplane touched down an estimated 340 feet prior to the approach end of the runway. No mechanical problems were experienced with the airplane during the night time flight. In the pilot's completed "Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report," NTSB Form 6120.1, he reported that during the approach he encountered "a sudden increase in vertical speed," and, as he was applying full power, the airplane contacted the ground. He further reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had "been ready for the down draft." -