Casualties unknown

Pilot Turns Into Trees After Landing on Slippery Runway with Tailwind (N9340X)

Lone Pine, CA, US

On May 27, 1992, a Cessna 182E (registration N9340X) operated by Sailplane Enterprises, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lone Pine, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ENCOUNTER WITH A SUDDEN AND STRONG QUARTERING TAILWIND AFTER LANDING ON A SHORT DIRT RUNWAY, AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SELECT THE OTHER AIRPORT RUNWAY, WHICH WAS LONGER AND MORE ALIGNED WITH THE WIND, FOR THE APPROACH AND LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

After landing on a slippery runway, the pilot experienced a sudden tailwind and poor braking, leading to an overrun and collision with trees and a motel fence.

Runway Obstructions and Standard Procedure

The departure end of runway 31 is obstructed by power lines, trees, and a motel. The standard procedure is to depart on runway 13 and land on runway 31.

Runway Surface Condition

The first 1,000 feet of runway 13 is covered with a chemical mixture to prevent dust. This mixture forms a crust, and with blown sand on it, the runway becomes slippery.

Landing Events

While in the traffic pattern for runway 31, the pilot reported winds from the south-southeast at 5 to 10 knots. After touchdown, the apparent ground speed increased while the indicated airspeed rapidly decreased, concurrent with a right drift, indicating a sudden and strong left quartering tailwind. At the halfway point, the indicated airspeed was insufficient to go around, and the poor braking action was not stopping the aircraft.

Pilot's Action

The pilot realized the aircraft was going to overrun the end of the runway and elected to turn into the tree line. The aircraft collided with trees and a motel fence.

Available Alternative

A longer runway more aligned with the wind direction was available.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 1992 Cessna 182E accident near Lone Pine, CA?

After landing on a slippery runway, the pilot experienced a sudden tailwind and poor braking, leading to an overrun and collision with trees and a motel fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 1992 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N9340X, operated by Sailplane Enterprises, Inc., at Lone Pine, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ENCOUNTER WITH A SUDDEN AND STRONG QUARTERING TAILWIND AFTER LANDING ON A SHORT DIRT RUNWAY, AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SELECT THE OTHER AIRPORT RUNWAY, WHICH WAS LONGER AND MORE ALIGNED WITH THE WIND, FOR THE APPROACH AND LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.