N8622Z

On July 29, 2004, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 206, N8622Z, veered off the runway and collided with terrain and high vegetation on the landing roll at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport, Truckee, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal cross-country flight departed Bend Municipal Airport, Bend, Oregon, about 1100, with the planned destination of Truckee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident occurred and interviewed the pilot. The pilot reported that while in the proximity of the airport, he noted that the windsock indicated a slight headwind on runway 19. He opted to land on runway 19, and, after completing the approach, the airplane's main landing gear touched down on the runway surface. With the nose gear still airborne, the airplane encountered a sudden gust of wind and veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder pressure in an effort to counteract the veer, but the airplane continued to the left off the runway surface, encountering rough terrain and impacting sagebrush.

The FAA inspector further noted that the airplane came to rest about 150 feet left of the runway edge and 2,500 feet beyond the end of the runway. The airplane incurred damage to the right horizontal stabilizer, landing gear, and firewall.

An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Truckee at 1345 reported winds from 240 degrees at 14 knots.