AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A 1
Dixie, ID — July 3, 2017
Event Information
| Date | July 3, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA421 |
| Event ID | 20170707X00440 |
| Location | Dixie, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.51333, -115.43945 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC |
| Model | A 1 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath to landing with sun glare and downdraft conditions, which resulted in the airplane landing in a ravine short of the runway.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while on short final approach to a back-country airstrip, approaching into a setting sun glare, he encountered a downdraft. He added that he increased power and pitched up slowly, but the "sun came lower" and blocked his vision to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane landed short of the runway in a ravine that was about 20 ft. lower than the runway.
The fuselage, wings, and elevator sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.