Kenai, AK, USA
N59314
Douglas DC3C
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."
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during approach, he 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."
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.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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