Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the downdraft condition and subsequent failure to maintain a proper rate of descent.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, his initial approach to runway 17 appeared normal. However, a downdraft was encountered as he crossed over the runway numbers, and the airplane made a hard touchdown. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid off the runway and down an embankment. The pilot reported that the local wind was from the south-southwest at 15 to 20 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 17, 1996, at 1250 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T, N21312, owned and operated by the pilot, had the landing collapse while landing on runway 17 at the Kern Valley Airport, Kernville, California. The airplane slid off the runway and down an embankment. The airplane was destroyed, and the private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight which originated from Santa Monica, California, at 1150. According to the pilot, his initial approach to runway 17 appeared normal. However, a downdraft was encountered as he crossed over the runway numbers. The pilot reported that the local wind was from the south-southwest at 15 to 20 knots. -