Casualties unknown

Tailwind During Approach Leads to Landing Accident at Private Strip (N78NR)

Skwentna, AK, US

On June 24, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N78NR) was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A wind shift that produced a tailwind during the landing approach, which carried the airplane past the intended landing spot and led to an inadvertent touchdown, followed by a collision with brush during the aborted landing. 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 private pilot experienced a wind shift to a tailwind during landing at his private airstrip, causing the airplane to overshoot the intended touchdown point and collide with brush, resulting in a nose-over and damage to the wings, fuselage, and tail.

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot was landing at his private airstrip adjacent to his cabin. The dirt runway, oriented southeast/northwest, measured approximately 600 feet in length and 60 feet in width. The pilot reported that he overflew the strip several times before commencing the landing.

Approach and Maneuvers

Selecting full flaps, the pilot initiated a landing approach toward the northwest. During the descent, a wind shift occurred, producing a tailwind. This tailwind caused the airplane to be carried beyond the pilot's intended landing spot, and the aircraft inadvertently touched down beyond the desired point.

Abort and Collision

Recognizing the situation, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to abort the landing. However, the airplane collided with brush at the end of the airstrip and subsequently nosed over. The accident resulted in damage to the wings, fuselage, and tail of the aircraft.

Probable cause

A wind shift that produced a tailwind during the landing approach, which carried the airplane past the intended landing spot and led to an inadvertent touchdown, followed by a collision with brush during the aborted landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21149. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.