Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands with Tailwind, Overruns Grass Strip (N722TC)

Lake Wales, FL, US

On September 4, 1988, a Piper PA-28 (registration N722TC) operated by Tilcon Enterprises was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Wales, FL. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed with a tailwind on a grass airstrip, touched down midfield, and was unable to stop before hitting a runway light and fence. The wind was later reported from the south at 10-15 knots.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during an approach to a 2,450-foot grass airstrip, he approached from the northeast and circled north of the field to observe the windsock. The wind appeared to be from the east. He entered the traffic pattern to land on Runway 36.

Landing and Runway Excursion

While flaring to land, the aircraft floated down the runway and touched down at midfield. The pilot applied the brakes but was unable to stop the aircraft before it departed the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with a runway light and a fence. The pilot stated that a go-around was not possible due to insufficient remaining runway.

Wind Conditions

After exiting the aircraft, the pilot stated that the wind was from the south at 10-15 knots. According to the owner of the airstrip, the pilot landed with a 10-15 knot tailwind.

Additional Details

No further information about the aircraft or occupants was provided. The extent of damage to the aircraft and runway infrastructure was not specified.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1988 Piper PA-28 accident near Lake Wales, FL?

A pilot landed with a tailwind on a grass airstrip, touched down midfield, and was unable to stop before hitting a runway light and fence. The wind was later reported from the south at 10-15 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1988 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N722TC, operated by Tilcon Enterprises, at Lake Wales, FL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26879. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.