Casualties unknown

2004-04-29: Piper PA-20 (N7631K) — North Bend, WA

North Bend, WA, US

On April 29, 2004, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7631K) was involved in an aviation accident near North Bend, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll. A rough landing surface and tailwind gusts were factors. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot heard a flapping sound, decided to land, and noted a limp windsock. After a high approach and slip, a tailwind gust pushed the aircraft. Touching down long, the plane became airborne again, then nosed over during roll, ending inverted.

Flight Events

While in flight, the pilot heard a "flapping sound" and decided to land at a nearby airstrip to inspect the aircraft. Abeam the windsock, located near midfield, the pilot noted that the sock was limp. Already on the downwind leg for runway 26, the pilot continued in the pattern for landing.

Landing Attempt

The pilot reported that the aircraft was a little high on final approach, so a slip was performed to attain the correct altitude. Just prior to touchdown, the pilot felt a tailwind gust that pushed the aircraft. The landing was continued, and the aircraft touched down about one-third of the way down the airstrip.

Accident Sequence

After touchdown, the aircraft rolled for a short distance, then became airborne again, subsequently touching down about three-quarters of the way down the airstrip. During the landing roll, the pilot stated that "...a combination of rough field, tailwind, and braking led to the tail coming up past the point of no return, and on her back we went..." The aircraft then nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported wind gusts from the east, with gusts of 8 to 12 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040430X00544. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.