Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Tailwind Landing Resulting in Runway Excursion (N2227W)

Bullfrog Basin, UT, US

On April 13, 2006, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N2227W) operated by Alfred B. Christenson was involved in an aviation accident near Bullfrog Basin, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A high airspeed at touchdown resulting in a high ground speed during the landing roll. Downhill sloping runway, a tailwind, the pilot's delayed remedial action and rough terrain off the end of the runway 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing on a downsloping runway, the aircraft touched down long and ground speed was too fast, leading to a runway excursion. The pilot noted a tailwind after the accident.

Flight Details

According to the pilot's report, traffic on the runway prompted him to circle until the runway was clear. He then set up for landing on runway 01.

Landing Attempts

During the first landing attempt, the pilot initiated a go-around because "the runway was disappearing too fast." On the second attempt, he set up for a short field landing. The aircraft touched down at the beginning of the 3,500-foot long downsloping runway.

Accident Sequence

During the landing roll, the pilot realized the ground speed was too fast and the aircraft would not stop in time. He stated there was insufficient runway remaining for another go-around. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway.

Post-Accident Observations

After the accident, the pilot noted that the wind had shifted, resulting in a tailwind landing. An FAA Inspector reported that the aircraft traveled over rough terrain directly off the end of the runway for about 200 feet before coming to rest. Damage included blown main landing gear tires, a collapsed right main landing gear, and buckled upper wing surfaces.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060522X00599. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.