On 11 Aug 2011, a BEECH 35-C33 operated by BALLARD MICHAEL K was involved in an aviation accident near Rockwall, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misinterpretation of the wind direction, which resulted in landing long with a quartering tailwind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot misinterpreted the wind direction, leading to a long landing with a tailwind. The aircraft bounced, turned onto a taxiway at excessive speed, and exited the runway into a construction zone, resulting in substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A private pilot returning to his home airport obtained automated weather information from a nearby airport. The pilot misinterpreted the wind as 110 degrees at 9 knots when it was actually 010 degrees at 9 knots. This error resulted in the pilot landing long on runway 17 with a left quartering tailwind.
Sequence of Events
After landing, the aircraft bounced. The pilot then attempted to turn onto a taxiway while maintaining too much speed. The airplane could not be slowed sufficiently and subsequently went off the end of the runway into a construction zone.
Aircraft Damage and Examination
A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall and left wing spar. No mechanical deficiencies were identified with the airplane or its systems.
Probable cause
The pilot's misinterpretation of the wind direction, which resulted in landing long with a quartering tailwind.