The airplane was being operated as an air-attack coordinator for aerial, forest firefighting activity. The pilot reported that, as the Rockwell International 500S approached the vicinity of the airport in Willcox, Ariz., he was not able to see any wind indicators due to the low-light conditions at dusk.
He contacted an FBO at the airport and was advised that the wind was light and variable, and, as he continued the approach, he noted that the tetrahedron was indicating a right quartering tailwind of “unknown strength.”
Following touchdown, the airplane immediately drifted right, which the pilot attributed to a 15-knot right quartering tailwind.
Despite his attempts to manipulate the throttle to regain directional control, the plane veered off the runway at an estimated ground speed of about 120 mph. The plane encountered soft sand, and the pilot was subsequently unable to steer the airplane, which resulted in the left wing colliding with terrain.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to compensate for tailwind conditions and maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB Identification: WPR14TA278
This July 2014 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.
Looks like a straight in because if the pilot would have passed down the runway he would have seen the conditions he would encounter. Or do the old fashion 90 degree cross over at mid field before entering the down wind. As long as the engines are turning you can always go around.
Tailwind knocks………… really? Poor headline again………. the tailwind has intelligence?
Pilot error results in the aircraft damage……….. THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE HEADLINE !!!!!!!!
The headline chosen does not help the reader understand what happened and why? Your headline implies that the tailwind took control of the aircraft and directed the aircraft to a point on/off the runway….. your headline does nothing to point the reader to the cause of the aircraft damage……… it was the PILOT IN COMMAND, who made the decision to land with a quartering tailwind and it was the lack of the pilot having the skills necessary to overcome the decision to land with a quartering tailwind………
When I first read the headline, I thought the Tailwind was a Wittman Tailwind Homebuilt. LOL