Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the aircraft or the engine. He reported that on short final he encountered a downdraft and the aircraft touched down short of the runway. After a short roll in the dirt, the aircraft collided with the raised asphalt of the runway and nosed over. Ground witnesses at the airport stated that the winds were calm.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 8, 1994, at 1320 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N5061R, collided with a berm during a landing undershoot at the Harris Ranch airport, Coalinga, California. The aircraft was operated by the pilot and was on a cross-country personal operation. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and included calm winds. No flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. Neither the certificated private pilot nor his two passengers were injured. The flight originated at the Camarillo, California, airport on the day of the accident at 1210 with a destination of the Harris Ranch airport. In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the aircraft or the engine. He reported that on short final he encountered a downdraft and the aircraft touched down short of the runway. After a short roll in the dirt, the aircraft collided with the raised asphalt of the runway and nosed over. The pilot declined to complete a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2. -