Casualties unknown

Tailwind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion (N345RP)

Laurens, SC, US

On March 14, 1999, a Piper PA-46-350P (registration N345RP) operated by Ralph F. Patterson Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Laurens, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's disregard for current wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors were the tailwind and wet runway surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after touchdown, braking action was insufficient and a tailwind was encountered, causing the airplane to veer off the wet runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after touching down on runway 26, the braking action did not appear to slow the aircraft's landing roll speed. During the rollout, a tailwind was encountered. The pilot then pulled back on the yoke, causing the airplane to climb slightly on the left side before impacting the ground. The airplane began to skid and continued off the left side of the wet runway.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. No additional details about the aircraft or pilot were provided in the source.

Weather Conditions

A review of weather data from the nearest reporting facility indicated that the prevailing winds at the approximate time of the incident were 020 degrees at five knots, with gusts to 19 knots. The pilot landed with a tailwind component, as the wind was from the northeast while landing on runway 26 (west-northwest heading).

Frequently asked questions

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

A pilot reported that after touchdown, braking action was insufficient and a tailwind was encountered, causing the airplane to veer off the wet runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Mar 1999 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 pilot's disregard for current wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors were the tailwind and wet runway surface.

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.