Runway Excursion at Louisville, Kentucky

No fatalities • Jeffersonville-Clark County, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft overran the runway during landing near Louisville, Kentucky, after encountering a significant tailwind.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the pilot successfully touched down on the runway approximately 700 feet from the approach end. Upon touchdown, the pilot attempted to use the braking system, but the brakes failed to decelerate the aircraft type effectively. As the aircraft continued down the runway, it ran out of available pavement and veered to the right in an attempt to avoid nearby trees. The aircraft entered a grassy area, but the presence of a drainage ditch contributed to the outcome of the excursion.

Findings

Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions. However, it was later determined that the aircraft encountered a tailwind estimated at 45 knots during the landing. This is significant given that weather observations from Louisville, Kentucky, located 11 miles south of the site, had recorded winds of 320 degrees at 16 knots with gusts up to 20 knots roughly 34 minutes prior to the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway due to a high-velocity tailwind that prevented effective deceleration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-09-20 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Jeffersonville-Clark County, United States of America?

An aircraft overran the runway during landing near Louisville, Kentucky, after encountering a significant tailwind.

Were there any fatalities in the 2000-09-20 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-09-20 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N63706, operated by Entertainment Engineering, at Jeffersonville-Clark County, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway due to a high-velocity tailwind that prevented effective deceleration.

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