Casualties unknown

1994-07-09: Beech 58 (N6404Z) — Roy J. Durbin — Oelwein, IA

Oelwein, IA, US

On July 9, 1994, a Beech 58 (registration N6404Z) operated by Roy J. Durbin was involved in an aviation accident near Oelwein, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to land on a runway with a tailwind. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind and the wet runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed with a tailwind on a wet runway after cancelling IFR in visual conditions. A witness observed a long landing and porpoising; the airplane sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported flying in instrument meteorological conditions en route to the destination airport. The pilot had planned an instrument approach to runway 13. While descending through 3,000 feet, the pilot encountered visual conditions, cancelled the IFR flight plan, and proceeded with a visual arrival to runway 13.

Communication and Landing Conditions

The pilot requested an airport advisory on the unicom frequency but received no response. The pilot subsequently landed with a tailwind on the wet runway. At the time, winds were reported from 290 degrees at 11 knots.

Witness Observation

A witness observed the airplane land long and porpoise during the landing. The porpoising motion continued as the airplane touched down.

Damage and Outcome

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway following the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01696. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.