Incident Overview
An aircraft based at a dirt airstrip providing aeromedical evacuation capability for the Navajo Nation overran the runway during a night landing. The pilot landed on runway 17 to avoid obstacles on the approach end of runway 35. Navajo authorities reported southerly winds of about 30 knots at the time of the landing attempt.
Post-Touchdown Events
After touchdown, as the aircraft passed a hangar, the pilot observed the windsock sticking straight out, indicating a tailwind. The pilot applied maximum braking but was unable to stop before overrunning the departure end of the runway. The aircraft traveled down an embankment, through a ditch, and collided with two steel irrigation posts before coming to rest.
Runway and Aircraft Examination
FAA inspectors examined both the runway and the aircraft. The touchdown point was identified as approximately the midpoint of the runway. Tire marks were visible from that point to where the aircraft left the departure end of the runway and passed through a cattle guard, with which a ditch was associated. The FAA inspector noted that the ground distance traveled from the touchdown point was about the normal ground roll for the aircraft under the reported 20- to 30-knot tailwind condition. No discrepancies were identified with the aircraft.
Additional Conditions
The windsock was not illuminated, and neither the airport nor the CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) were attended after dark.