Backcountry airstrips are inherently dangerous. It is the sole responsibility of the Pilot in Command to ascertain airstrip conditions prior to use. Be certain to consider environmental, aircraft, and personal factors when determining suitability.
Use of the airstrips is at the sole discretion of the Pilot in Command. Fly safe!
Information updated May 13, 2021 @ 7:56pm
Description: An extremely hazardous airstrip perched on a cliff ledge above the Dirty Devil River. This airstrip should be only attempted by a skilled pilot with a bush-type aircraft in optimal conditions. The wind normally favors blowing towards the cliff face which is great for landing but a serious problem for takeoff. Few places can offer a view like Poison Springs which makes it such a rewarding place to visit.
Runway: Covered in shrubs and rock, this is a rough runway requiring high float tires. A large hill at the north end favors a downhill takeoff towards the cliff; however, the prevailing winds favor this direction and will prohibit a takeoff. Another hump greets you right at the bottom of the hill, so starting downhill and easing into the takeoff roll will help prevent a hard hit at the bottom. You must accomplish an immediate right turn after liftoff to clear the cliff face at the end of the runway. This turn will also remove the aircraft from ground affect as the terrain rapidly drops off flying away from the cliff face. I am unsure if a takeoff can be completed towards the hill as it rises probably more than most aircraft climb performance. Landing requires being able to control your aircraft at landing speeds comfortably in a bank near terrain and complete a precision landing. I normally land after the first hump which lies nearly at the threshold and then roll-out up the hill. You will not be able to see the runway above the hill and caution should be used as large bushes and rocks are located just off the runway.
Approach Considerations: Multiple landing surveys and threat assessments should be made before landing. Be careful becoming fixated on the south end of the airstrip flying low and forgetting about the hill rapidly approaching. An early go around should be accomplished, a late go around will be nearly impossible. Find each hump and land according, planing a go around for any unfavorable condition such as wind, bounces, high or fast approach, etc.
Parking: Not many places to park here as most of the area is covered in large shrub brush. Turning will probably have to be done manually as no turn around exists. No cell coverage. Camping could be done here, but any un-forecasted weather would leave you unable to take-off.
I did a fly-by. Looks like there are a few ruts in the landing surface. Too bad the hump at the touch down point hasn’t been flattened out somehow. This is a beautiful location.
Randy Owen
visited
11 months agoin a Zenith 701with 21” tires
Previous reports on this airstrip are pretty much spot on. The surface is soft sand and not too rough, but the undulations make it quite sporting to land or take off on. It’s roughly akin to trying to land on a moving roller coaster. “The Hill” towards the northwest end is deceptively high and steep, and for good measure has a small ditch crossing it where it bottoms out on the east side. I walked the strip end to end after landing, looking for a silver bullet solution for a smooth landing, and found none. It’s my opinion that whatever you are flying, you are in for a wild ride on landing. Agree with previous reports; don’t try it unless you are certain you and your airplane are up to it. That said, the area is probably the most stunningly beautiful place I’ve ever flown into.
Ben Crowder
visited
11 months agoin a Carbon Cub FX-3with 31 tires
Same as last report, rough and tumble. Landed on 29 like others by hugging the cliff. I opted to takeoff on the top, the crest of the hill to the NW (29). The wind was perfect for it and I had plenty usable.
