Aircraft: Piper Saratoga. Injuries: None. Location: Holdenville, Okla. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: During final approach the pilot determined that he had inadvertently landed with a tailwind.
Realizing his mistake and unable to stop the airplane on the runway remaining, he attempted to takeoff again. However, there was insufficient runway to get airborne, and the plane collided with shrubs at the end of the runway, shearing off both wings.
The pilot said that his attempted go-around was unsuccessful because the airplane had a nearly full fuel load.
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind and his delay in executing a go around.
NTSB Identification: CEN11CA197
This February 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Why would there be shrubs at the end of a runway?!?