On December 1, 1985, an Aero Commander 500 (registration N999B) operated by Palm Beach Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Albany, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a wet sod runway with a significant tailwind that subsequently shifted, resulting in the aircraft running off the end of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft landed on a wet sod runway with a strong tailwind, ran off the end, and struck trees after the wind shifted upon touchdown.
What happened
The aircraft touched down on a wet sod runway that was approximately 4200 feet long. At the time of landing, there was a reported tailwind component between 30 and 35 knots. The pilot indicated that he made contact with the runway surface roughly 1000 feet from the approach end.
Upon touchdown, the wind direction shifted by 180 degrees. Despite the landing, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway distance. It continued past the end of the pavement and exited into the adjacent wooded area.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on a wet sod runway with a significant tailwind that subsequently shifted, resulting in the aircraft running off the end of the runway.
What happened in the 1 Dec 1985 Aero Commander 500 accident near Albany, GA?
An aircraft landed on a wet sod runway with a strong tailwind, ran off the end, and struck trees after the wind shifted upon touchdown.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Dec 1985 involved an Aero Commander 500, registration N999B, operated by Palm Beach Aviation, at Albany, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a wet sod runway with a significant tailwind that subsequently shifted, resulting in the aircraft running off the end of the runway.
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