Aircraft overrun during landing at airport

Casualties unknown • Bullfrog Basin, UT, US

A pilot experienced a runway excursion after attempting a short-field landing on a down-sloping runway with an unexpected tailwind.

What happened

Upon approaching the airport, the pilot observed traffic on the runway and performed a circling maneuver until the runway was clear. The pilot then prepared for a landing on runway 01. The first landing attempt resulted in a go-around because the pilot reported that the runway appeared to be disappearing too quickly.

During the second approach, the pilot attempted a short-field landing. The aircraft touched down at the beginning of the 3,500-foot, down-sloping runway. During the landing roll, the pilot determined that the ground speed was too high and that the aircraft would not stop within the remaining runway distance. Because there was insufficient runway remaining to perform another go-around, the aircraft ran off the end of the runway.

Following the incident, the pilot noted that the wind had shifted, resulting in a landing with a tailwind. An FAA Inspector reported that the aircraft traveled approximately 200 feet over rough terrain after exiting the runway before coming to rest. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

The inspection of the aircraft revealed that the main landing gear tires had blown and the right main landing gear had collapsed. Additionally, the upper wing surfaces were found to be buckled.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway due to excessive ground speed during a short-field landing attempt on a down-sloping runway while experiencing an unexpected tailwind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-04-13 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Bullfrog Basin, UT?

A pilot experienced a runway excursion after attempting a short-field landing on a down-sloping runway with an unexpected tailwind.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-04-13 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N2227W, operated by Alfred B. Christenson, at Bullfrog Basin, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway due to excessive ground speed during a short-field landing attempt on a down-sloping runway while experiencing an unexpected tailwind.

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.

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