What happened
The accident occurred near Albuquerque International Sunport (KABQ) in New Mexico. The flight was a local training sortie involving an instructor and a student pilot. According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the pair were conducting practice landings when they encountered a sudden change in wind conditions.
During the approach for their fifth landing, the aircraft was on the downwind leg with winds from the west-southwest. Just prior to touchdown, the wind shifted significantly, becoming a quartering tailwind. The CFI assumed control of the aircraft to manage the unstable approach. The airplane touched down near the midpoint of the runway; however, braking effectiveness was poor because the aircraft's weight had not fully transferred onto the landing gear.
Unable to stop within the paved surface, the aircraft continued off the end of the runway and collided with a tree. Meteorological data supports the pilot's account of changing conditions. Before takeoff, winds were from the southwest at 10 knots. Approximately nine miles south of the airport, a special weather observation at 18:53 MDT recorded winds from 030 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 34 knots, with thunderstorms and light rain present in the area.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the sequence of events leading to the overrun. Analysis confirmed that a microburst or significant windshear event was occurring near the airport at the time of the accident. The sudden shift from a headwind component to a quartering tailwind reduced lift and increased ground speed, complicating the landing.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a gusty wind condition and the decision to continue the approach into deteriorating weather. The abrupt change in wind direction and velocity prevented effective deceleration after touchdown. The presence of thunderstorms indicated unstable atmospheric conditions conducive to windshear.
Safety message
Pilots conducting training operations in areas prone to convective activity must remain vigilant for sudden windshear. Understanding the impact of quartering tailwinds on landing distance and the importance of maintaining weight on the wheels for braking effectiveness is critical for safe operations.