Cessna T206H N464PM accident near Marble, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the final approach in variable and gusting wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were localized wind effects associated with mountainous terrain and with nearby convective activity.

NTSB analysis

During an approach to a grass airstrip in mountainous terrain, the airplane encountered variable and gusting wind conditions near the runway environment. The initial attempt to land on runway 27 resulted in a go-around after the airplane encountered an estimated 17 knot tailwind. The pilot then maneuvered the airplane for a landing on runway 09.

The pilot reported that the airplane was stabilized on final approach to runway 09 with full flaps and an airspeed of about 65 knots. During short final a gust from the right displaced the airplane left of the runway centerline. The pilot was unable to correct for the displacement before the left wing struck trees adjacent to the runway which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. The pilot reported that this was his first flight into the airstrip.

A witness reported that wind conditions increased from calm to about 15 knots gusting to 25 knots during the airplane's initial approach to runway 27 and that thunder was audible in the vicinity of the airstrip. The witness observed the airplane left of the intended approach path before it struck trees north of the runway centerline.

Weather review shows active convective activity near the accident site, including a convective SIGMET for thunderstorms over the state. Radar imagery at the time of the accident depicted precipitation echoes about 6 miles southeast of the airstrip. Although the forecast winds aloft were light, localized effects associated with nearby convective activity, including turbulence, downdrafts, outflow winds, and rapidly changing wind conditions, likely existed near the airstrip at the time of the accident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA300 for the full record.