WPR14CA264

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the approach to landing to a remote airstrip located within a canyon, the wind changed direction while he was on short final. The pilot had selected full flaps and performed a slip to descend to the approach end of the runway, however, the airplane touched down more than half way down the 1,300-foot long dirt runway. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot added that there was no possibility of a go-around due to the airstrip's location in the canyon. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that during the approach to landing to a remote airstrip located within a canyon, the wind changed direction while he was on short final. The pilot had selected full flaps and performed a slip to descend to the approach end of the runway, however, the airplane touched down more than half way down the 1,300-foot long dirt runway. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot added that there was no possibility of a go-around due to the airstrip's location in the canyon. The pilot reported no preimpact 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 Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Sudden wind shift-Contributed to outcome