Runway Excursion Following Tailwind Landing

Casualties unknown • Laurens, SC, US

An aircraft veered off the left side of a wet runway after the pilot encountered a tailwind and ineffective braking during the landing roll.

What happened

Following touchdown on runway 26, the pilot reported that the available braking action was insufficient to reduce the landing roll speed. During the rollout, the aircraft encountered a tailwind component.

As the pilot pulled back on the yoke, the airplane climbed slightly on its left side and struck the ground. This impact caused the aircraft to begin skidding, which continued until it exited the left side of the wet runway.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft during the flight. An examination of weather data from the closest reporting station indicated that prevailing winds at the time of the accident were from 020 degrees at five knots, with gusts reaching 19 knots.

Probable cause

The aircraft exited the runway due to insufficient braking action and a tailwind component during the landing roll on a wet runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-03-14 Piper PA-46-350P accident near Laurens, SC?

An aircraft veered off the left side of a wet runway after the pilot encountered a tailwind and ineffective braking during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-03-14 involved a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N345RP, operated by Ralph F. Patterson Jr., at Laurens, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft exited the runway due to insufficient braking action and a tailwind component during the landing roll on a wet runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00257. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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