On August 25, 1990, a Mooney M20B (registration N74562) was involved in an aviation accident near Glenwood Spring, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WRONG RUNWAY SELECTION BY THE PILOT, RESULTING IN AN OVERRUN AND A COLLISION WITH A FENCE DURING LANDING ROLL. THE PREVAILING TAILWIND, RUNWAY INFORMATION AND MARKINGS, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT ARE FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot landed with a gusting tailwind, overran a 3,000-foot runway, and damaged the aircraft after the nose gear collapsed in soft terrain. The pilot cited an airport sign warning of legal consequences for landing on other than runway 32.
Incident Overview
A private pilot executed a midfield landing with a gusting tailwind. The aircraft was unable to stop on the 3,000-foot asphalt runway and overran into soft terrain. The airplane subsequently ran through a fence, and the nose gear collapsed in the soft terrain, resulting in damage. The firewall was bent.
Pilot's Explanation
The pilot stated that he performed the tailwind landing because he had read a sign at the airport warning of 'legal' consequences for landing on other than runway 32. He interpreted this to mean that he must land on that runway regardless of wind direction.
Damage Description
The aircraft sustained damage when it traversed a fence and the nose gear collapsed. The firewall was bent. No further details about the extent of damage were provided in the source.