On October 15, 1984, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N9737K) was involved in an aviation accident near Booker, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The combination of vegetation resistance and a tailwind gust caused the aircraft to nose over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing at dusk with a tailwind caused the aircraft to overrun the runway and steer into tall grass, where vegetation resistance and a gust led to a nose-over.
Event Summary
A pilot arrived at the destination airport at dusk. The lighted wind tetrahedron was out of service. The pilot executed a low pass in an unsuccessful attempt to see the windsock. Aware of strong surface winds of about 35 knots, which were presumed to be from the southwest due to a recent frontal passage, the pilot selected that landing direction.
Circumstances
The aircraft landed long. The pilot then realized a strong tailwind existed but felt that the tailwheel aircraft would not make a successful go-around. The aircraft overran the prepared surface, and the pilot steered into tall grass to assist deceleration.
Outcome
The combination of vegetation resistance and a tailwind gust caused the aircraft to nose over.
Probable cause
The combination of vegetation resistance and a tailwind gust caused the aircraft to nose over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 Oct 1984 Stinson 108-2 accident near Booker, TX?
A pilot landing at dusk with a tailwind caused the aircraft to overrun the runway and steer into tall grass, where vegetation resistance and a gust led to a nose-over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Oct 1984 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N9737K, at Booker, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The combination of vegetation resistance and a tailwind gust caused the aircraft to nose over.
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