On July 14, 2003, a Cessna A188B (registration N4247Y) operated by Alan Buford was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgehee, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. Contributing factors to the accident were the tailwind condition, the pilot's selection of the wrong runway on which to land and the ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane veered left of the runway centerline during landing, impacted terrain, and struck a ditch. The pilot reported a quartering tailwind of 5 knots or more and stated the usual landing runway was 18.
Accident Overview
During landing on runway 36, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. It subsequently impacted terrain and contacted a ditch before coming to a stop.
Pilot Report
In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he was aware of a quartering tailwind of 5 knots or better during the landing. He noted that the typical landing runway used at the airport was runway 18, though he did not know the reason for this preference, describing it as "the pattern that the other guys use."
Wind Conditions
On a written form completed by the pilot, the reported wind was from 180 degrees at 8 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Jul 2003 Cessna A188B accident near Mcgehee, AR?
An airplane veered left of the runway centerline during landing, impacted terrain, and struck a ditch. The pilot reported a quartering tailwind of 5 knots or more and stated the usual landing runway was 18.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N4247Y, operated by Alan Buford, at Mcgehee, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. Contributing factors to the accident were the tailwind condition, the pilot's selection of the wrong runway on which to land and the ditch.
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