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GAA17CA421

2017-07-02 · Dixie, Idaho, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N368HY

Make / Model
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1B
Year of manufacture
2006 · 11 years old at event
Engine
LYCOMING O-360-A1P (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20071113
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A42ACA

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

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.

Factual 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. The pilot reported that, while on short final approach to a back-country airstrip and approaching into a setting sun glare, the airplane 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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Glare-Effect on personnel
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Downdraft-Effect on operation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2017_GAA17CA421.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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