On September 9, 1984, a Cessna 140A (registration N5643C) was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a landing on an upsloping runway with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in loss of airspeed during the go-around and subsequent impact with residential property. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot attempted a landing on an upsloping runway with a quartering tailwind. During the go-around, airspeed dropped significantly before the aircraft settled into front yards.
What happened
The pilot attempted to land on an upsloping runway while encountering a quartering tailwind. Pilots who had landed just prior to this incident reported experiencing downdrafts and strong crosswinds during their approach.
During the go-around maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed decreased to 40 mph as it flew over houses adjacent to the airport. The aircraft settled into and came to rest in the front yards of two of those houses.
Findings
Contributing factors included the upsloping runway surface, the quartering tailwind component, and reported downdrafts during the approach phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a landing on an upsloping runway with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in loss of airspeed during the go-around and subsequent impact with residential property.