Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Tailwind Landing on Dirt Road (N583AF)

Seabrook, TX, US

On October 23, 1999, a Wright AVID FLYER MARK IV (registration N583AF) was involved in an aviation accident near Seabrook, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a downwind landing. Factors were his improper weather evaluation, the prevailing tailwind, and the engine vibration. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot executed a precautionary landing on a dirt road but lost control after touching down with a tailwind, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Incident Overview

A pilot with 900 hours of flight experience experienced an engine vibration accompanied by a rise in cylinder head temperature. In response, the pilot chose to perform a precautionary landing on a nearby dirt road, approaching on a westerly heading. The pilot anticipated a crosswind landing, but the actual wind speed and direction differed from expectations, resulting in a landing with a 15-knot tailwind.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the pilot immediately applied the brakes to avoid colliding with a steel gate located ahead. The airplane then began to drift to the left and subsequently exited the roadway. The nose landing gear assembly collapsed during this event, causing the airplane to nosed over and come to rest in an inverted position.

Outcome

The airplane sustained damage, including the collapsed nose gear and structural damage from the nose-over. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupant status are provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19960. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.