AERONCA S11AC near Boulder Junction, WI — 2014-08-10

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper runway selection, which resulted in a tailwind landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported observing the tailwheel-equipped airplane land; the airplane landed on runway 5. At the beginning of the landing roll, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway and impacted trees. At the time of the accident, the wind was from the south-southwest at 3 knots with gusts to 10 knots; therefore, a gusting tailwind prevailed for the landing runway at the time of the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have chosen a different landing technique to avoid tailwind.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Record of Conversation - FAAother
• Record of Correspondence - FAAother

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