Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while on short final after experiencing a downdraft, which resulted in a subsequent hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on short final for landing at an airstrip located atop a plateau, the airplane experienced a thermal lift then a downdraft, which caused the airplane to descend. The pilot added power; however, insufficient altitude existed to arrest the sink rate, and the airplane subsequently landed hard. One of the wings and the pontoon/landing gear sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA276 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jefferson, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Ames Airport (21OG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.3
- N-number
- N260HC
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.