HUGHES CHARLES R ZODIAC 601XL near Meriden, CT — 2013-05-07

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he landed with a tailwind and that the airplane touched down farther down the runway than usual. When the pilot applied brakes to exit the runway onto the taxiway, the tires skidded, and the airplane pivoted to the left before coming to rest inverted. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left and right wings and to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He further stated that he was fatigued, had “rushed” the landing approach, and had not taken time to properly evaluate the wind conditions prior to landing.

NTSB coding

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

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photo 1 - Airplane as it came to rest (Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport

Related mishaps

• CESSNA A185F

  2026-06-27 · Angel Fire, NM

• CESSNA 180H

  2026-06-21 · Port Angeles, WA

• CESSNA 140

  2026-06-01 · Pasco, WA

• EAA Acro Sport II

  2026-05-31 · Sheridan, AR

• PITTS SPECIAL S-1S

  2026-05-29 · Bartlesville, OK

• GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP GVII-G600

  2026-05-27 · Birmingham, AL