No fatalities

Pilot Reports Tailwind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Cliff Overrun

Avalon, CA, United States

On November 3, 2013, a GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B B was involved in an aviation accident near Avalon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing with a tailwind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing, the airplane did not descend as expected and seemed fast. The pilot realized he was landing with a tailwind after observing the windsock. The airplane continued off the runway, over a cliff, and sustained substantial damage.

Incident Details

The pilot of the airplane reported that prior to arrival at the airport, he checked the weather, which indicated the wind was variable at 7 knots. During the final approach, while over the numbers, the pilot noted that the airplane was not descending as it should and seemed fast.

Pilot Report

Observing the windsock straight out, the pilot realized he was landing with a tailwind. As he considered whether to go around, the landing gear touched down, and he decided to make a full stop. The airplane subsequently continued off the end of the runway and over a cliff, coming to rest upright about 120 feet from the runway in an open dirt area.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and undercarriage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Surface speed/braking — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Nov 2013 GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B B accident near Avalon, CA?

A pilot reported that during landing, the airplane did not descend as expected and seemed fast. The pilot realized he was landing with a tailwind after observing the windsock. The airplane continued off the runway, over a cliff, and sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Nov 2013 GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Nov 2013 involved a GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B B, at Avalon, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing with a tailwind.