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Pilot Lands with 30-Knot Tailwind, Damages Aircraft in Porpoising Incident (N7894U)

Fort Collins, CO, US

On March 31, 1998, a Cessna 172F (registration N7894U) operated by Pilot Center was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper in flight planning/decision in electing to land with a known 30 knot tailwind. Factors were high winds and a tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 newly certificated private pilot, while practicing landings, encountered a wind shift that created a 30-knot tailwind. The aircraft porpoised during landing, and a hard second touchdown resulted in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A newly certificated private pilot was practicing landings when wind conditions changed. The pilot experienced an increase in wind and a shift in wind direction while in the traffic pattern. Deciding to abort the flight, the pilot conducted a final landing on the same runway used for departure.

Sequence of Events

During the landing, the aircraft porpoised. The first touchdown was followed by a second, hard touchdown. The hard landing caused substantial damage to the aircraft.

Wind Conditions

The wind had shifted 180 degrees from the departure direction, creating a tailwind of 30 knots for the landing. The pilot had not adjusted for the change in wind direction.

Damage

The substantial damage was a result of the hard second touchdown during the porpoising sequence.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 1998 Cessna 172F accident near Fort Collins, CO?

A newly certificated private pilot, while practicing landings, encountered a wind shift that created a 30-knot tailwind. The aircraft porpoised during landing, and a hard second touchdown resulted in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Mar 1998 Cessna 172F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 1998 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N7894U, operated by Pilot Center, at Fort Collins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper in flight planning/decision in electing to land with a known 30 knot tailwind. Factors were high winds and a tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09683. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.