Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path in gusting crosswind wind conditions, which resulted in landing short of the runway and impact with a ditch and runway light.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the approach, the airplane encountered a downdraft, and the tailwheel landed short of the runway threshold, struck a ditch, and impacted a runway light. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was a "22+ knot front left quartering crosswind and gusting."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA492 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kenai, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Drift River (3AK5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Douglas DC3C
- N-number
- N59314
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1943
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.