KINGFISHER, OK, USA
N71620
Luscombe 8A
Visual meteorological conditions existed with thunderstorms and rain showers moving toward the airport. During the final approach approximately 200 feet from the runway, the airplane encountered a downdraft. The pilot applied full power; however, it did not keep the airplane from descending to the terrain. The airplane impacted the ground in a level attitude.
On July 27, 2000, at 1755 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, single-engine airplane, N71620, impacted terrain approximately 200 feet short of runway 17 during approach to the Kingfisher Airport, near Kingfisher, Oklahoma. The airplane was owned and operated by Ludwig Enterprises under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions existed with thunderstorms and rain showers moving into the area. The personal local flight departed Kingfisher at 1713, and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he was performing a series of touch and go landings when he observed weather moving toward the airport. On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the pilot stated that during the final approach for runway 17, the airspeed was at 80 mph. Subsequently, the airplane encountered a downdraft; however, the application of full power did not keep the airplane from descending. The airplane impacted the ground in a level attitude. The pilot reported that during the final approach, the rain shower was north of the airport, with occasional light rain at the airport. Winds were from the east at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots. At 1750, Woodring, Oklahoma, (approximately 25 nautical miles north of Kingfisher) was reporting the wind from 250 degrees at 10 knots, with light rain showers, overcast sky at 5,000 feet agl with thunderstorm clouds in the vicinity of the airport. The FAA inspector examined the airplane and found the wings wrinkled, the fuselage twisted and wrinkled, and portions of the cabin separated from the airframe.
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the downdraft weather condition.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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