15 Jul 2011: PIPER PA-28-161 — Tailwheels Etc

15 Jul 2011: PIPER PA-28-161 — Tailwheels Etc

No fatalities • Crystal River, FL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his improper decision to perform a go-around with a tailwind and insufficient runway remaining.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight to an unfamiliar airport. He stated that as he neared the airport, he obtained information from the airport's automated weather observation system, which reported calm wind. The pilot selected runway 09, and conducted an approach to the runway in order to perform a touch and go landing. However, the pilot stated the airplane was not in a position to land, and subsequently performed a go-around. The pilot stated that the second approach was normal, but the airplane touched down on the runway further from the intended point of landing than he expected. He added power to take off, but could not become airborne within the remaining runway. The pilot reduced engine power and applied brakes, but the airplane traveled off the end of the runway and impacted a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall and both left and right wings. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane and that, after the accident, the airport windsock indicated a tailwind condition. Recorded weather at the airport about the time of the accident included wind from 310 degrees at 7 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 240/07kt, vis 10sm

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