On June 4, 1998, a Cessna 170B (registration N2235D) was involved in an aviation accident near Russian Mission, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while landing. A factor associated with the accident was the presence of a tailwind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A solo pilot landing on a remote gravel airstrip encountered a tailwind gust after touchdown, causing the airplane to veer off the runway into a bordering ditch.
Incident Summary
A solo pilot was landing at a remote gravel airstrip. According to the pilot, before landing he received a pilot report that there was a slight breeze, which would favor a landing to the east. After arriving at the airstrip, the pilot observed the windsock hanging limp, indicating no discernible wind direction or strength. The pilot then prepared to land to the west. The pilot explained that the decision to land to the west was based on a more favorable approach and the elimination of the need to back taxi after landing.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll to the west, just after the airplane touched down, a gust of wind from behind pushed the tail of the airplane to the left. This caused the airplane to veer to the right. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in a ditch that borders the runway.