On July 31, 1999, a Cessna T210J (registration N821SB) operated by Judith J. Harris-redshaw was involved in an aviation accident near Sequim, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the changing wind conditions. Factors include a berm located off the east end of the runway and a tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed with a tailwind estimated at 10 knots gusting to 20 knots, overran the 1,600-foot runway, and collided with a berm after choosing not to go around.
Incident Summary
The pilot overflew a 1,600-foot asphalt runway to assess wind direction before landing. After determining that a crosswind would exist regardless of the runway used, the pilot opted to land to the east. During touchdown, the pilot realized that the wind had shifted to come from the west, resulting in a tailwind condition estimated at 10 knots with gusts to 20 knots.
Pilot Actions
Recognizing that the tailwind might prevent stopping before the runway end, the pilot considered a go-around but decided against it due to the possibility of striking obstructions just off the departure end. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before it departed the runway.
Outcome
The aircraft exited the end of the runway and collided with a berm. The report does not specify injuries or aircraft damage details beyond the collision with the berm.