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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 3, 2016 · Maule M4 220C · N40661

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 3, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Maule M4 220C (1973)
Tail Number
N40661
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA468

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he was landing on a backcountry airstrip. He reported that after touchdown, about two-thirds of the way down the runway during the landing roll, the wind shifted to a tailwind. He further reported that the airplane over ran the runway, impacted a hill, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot the wind was variable at 7-8 knots prior to the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Advisory Circular (AC) 91-79A. This AC discusses the hazards associated with runway overruns and the effect of a tailwind on landing distance and states in part: The pilot must be aware of airspeed during the approach and of the targeted reference landing airspeed (VREF)/airspeed, plus wind gust adjustments, over the runway threshold. An excessive approach speed may result in an excessive speed over the runway's threshold, which may result in landing beyond the intended touchdown point as well as a higher speed from which the pilot must bring the airplane to a stop. The effect of a tailwind on landing distance is significant and is a factor in determining the landing distance required. Given the airplane will land at a particular airspeed, independent of the wind, the principal effect of a tailwind on operational landing distance is the change in the ground speed at which the airplane touches down.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to recognize and compensate for tailwind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway overrun and nose over.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he was landing on a backcountry airstrip. He reported that after touchdown, about two-thirds of the way down the runway during the landing roll, the wind shifted to a tailwind. He further reported that the airplane over ran the runway, impacted a hill, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot the wind was variable at 7-8 knots prior to the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Advisory Circular (AC) 91-79A. This AC discusses the hazards associated with runway overruns and the effect of a tailwind on landing distance and states in part: The pilot must be aware of airspeed during the approach and of the targeted reference landing airspeed (VREF)/airspeed, plus wind gust adjustments, over the runway threshold. An excessive approach speed may result in an excessive speed over the runway's threshold, which may result in landing beyond the intended touchdown point as well as a higher speed from which the pilot must bring the airplane to a stop. The effect of a tailwind on landing distance is significant and is a factor in determining the landing distance required. Given the airplane will land at a particular airspeed, independent of the wind, the principal effect of a tailwind on operational landing distance is the change in the ground speed at which the airplane touches down.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M4 220C
Tail NumberN40661
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A-350-C1 · Reciprocating · 220
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data