On July 16, 2018, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N1822M) operated by Everts Air Cargo (Everts Air Fuel) was involved in an aviation accident near Manley Hot Springs, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown speed and his decision to land with a tailwind without ensuring that there was adequate runway length for the touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft registered N1822M. Photo: Jeroen Stroes Aviation Photography from Netherlands / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A pilot shut down the No. 2 engine, diverted to an alternate airport, and landed fast with a tailwind. Brake fade led to a runway overrun, causing substantial fuselage damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after a precautionary shutdown of the No. 2 engine, he diverted to an alternate airport that was closer than the original destination. During the landing, the airplane touched down "a little fast" in tailwind conditions. The pilot added that as the brakes faded from continuous use, the airplane was unable to stop and overran the end of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The decision to land with a tailwind and the touchdown speed were noted as factors.
Damage
Substantial damage to the fuselage was reported as a result of the overrun.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown speed and his decision to land with a tailwind without ensuring that there was adequate runway length for the touchdown.
