Aircraft: Taylorcraft F-22. Injuries: None. Location: Payson, Ariz. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger had planned to practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on runway 6, but the other airplanes in the traffic pattern were using runway 24, so they switched to runway 24.
The airplane was set up to land with a 3-4 knot left-quartering tailwind. The touchdown was smooth, but during the rollout the airplane veered to the right and went off the runway.
The pilot’s efforts to regain directional were unsuccessful and the airplane hit an airport perimeter fence.
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of a wrong runway to practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings.
NTSB Identification: WPR11CA328
This July 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.
THIS IS ALWAYS A TOUGH CALL AT KVNC, VENICE, FL., ESPECIALLY WITH CHARTER JETS. THE CHARTERS USE THE BEST RUNWAY FOR JETS PRETTY MUCH REGARDLESS OF WIND DIRECTION. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS FOR PILOTS FLYING THE PATTERN.
You should never be afraid to announce that the wind has changed and you request others to use the correct runway. If they refuse, ask them to circle outside the pattern so that you can land on the appropriate runway.
If the other airplanes were using 24 and he chose to use runway 6, that means he was setting up for a head-on collision!
No, they were contemplating using 06, noticing other traffic using 24, then they made their choice to follow suit, not a wise move. As jay mentioned, call your runway and ask other traffic to take notice.
I agree with Jay as well. Don’t let others dictate an unsafe move, announce your intentions and they will move and let you in. I had this basic scenario last summer with a corporate jet that needed the longest runway, I called the cross runway,into the wind,and my aircraft type. He responded that he was turning finale and would I go-around and he’d be out of my way. I did, he landed, I landed and the he let my Aeronca in front to taxi so I did not have to deal with the jet wash. We can all get along at uncontrolled fields just let the othe pilots know what you need.