Accident Overview
The pilot of a general aviation airplane returned to his home base, an uncontrolled airport with a single runway. He overflew the field and entered the traffic pattern for runway 26, which was over 4,400 feet long. According to the pilot's report, he observed the windsock indicating that the wind was parallel to the runway but did not initially realize he was landing with a nearly direct tailwind of 20 to 25 knots.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he failed to recognize the tailwind condition before touchdown. As a result, the airplane touched down long on the runway. The aircraft continued past the departure end of the runway, overrunning the paved surface.
Outcome
After overrunning the runway, the airplane collided with a pole and caught fire. All three occupants were able to escape the aircraft. They sustained minor injuries in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's selection of the wrong landing runway and his failure to attain the proper touchdown location. Factors that contributed to the accident were related to the pilot's inadequate observations of the weather and the tailwind condition that existed.