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Pilot Reports Landing with Quartering Tailwind During Off-Runway Practice (N7850H)

Eagle, CO, US

On June 24, 2001, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7850H) was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate wind evaluation, and his inadequate planning/decision to land with a tailwind, at a density altitude of 13,418 feet. Contributing factors were the tailwind and the high density altitude weather condition. 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 practicing off-runway landings in tundra at approximately 11,000 feet attempted an uphill landing but contacted the ground in a crab after applying full power. The main landing gear broke off and wings were bent. The pilot later noted a 20-knot quartering tailwind and a calculated density altitude of 13,418 feet.

Incident Overview

A pilot was practicing off-runway landings in tundra terrain at an elevation of approximately 11,000 feet. The pilot selected a landing area, made several passes to inspect the site, and decided to land uphill. During the approach, the pilot reported that on short final, he realized his sink rate was higher than comfortable and his groundspeed was too high. He applied full power, but the airplane contacted the ground while in a crab. The impact caused both main landing gear to break off and the wings to be bent.

Pilot Account

After exiting the airplane, the pilot assessed the situation and noted that he had landed with a 20-knot quartering tailwind. He also reported that the ambient air temperature at the crash site was 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The calculated density altitude at the time was 13,418 feet.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot's observations indicate that the landing was attempted in conditions of high density altitude due to the elevation and temperature. The tailwind component likely affected the approach and landing performance. No other environmental factors were specified in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jun 2001 Piper PA-12 accident near Eagle, CO?

A pilot practicing off-runway landings in tundra at approximately 11,000 feet attempted an uphill landing but contacted the ground in a crab after applying full power. The main landing gear broke off and wings were bent. The pilot later noted a 20-knot quartering tailwind and a calculated density altitude of 13,418…

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jun 2001 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jun 2001 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7850H, at Eagle, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate wind evaluation, and his inadequate planning/decision to land with a tailwind, at a density altitude of 13,418 feet. Contributing factors were the tailwind and the high density altitude weather condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010706X01317. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.