Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilots improper decision to land downwind on the short runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that during the final approach to the runway, the wind direction changed from a crosswind to a tailwind. He continued the landing, and touched down on the last two thirds of the 1,300 foot sod strip. He stated that he was unable to stop the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, collided with a ditch, and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 8, 1995, at 1154 central daylight time, a Cessna 182J, N47DB, overran the runway, collided with a ditch, and nosed over during an attempted landing at a private airstrip near Calera, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. The flight departed Shelby County Airport in Alabaster, Alabama, at 1135 hours. The pilot stated that during the final approach to the runway, the wind direction changed from a crosswind to a tailwind. He continued the landing, and touched down on the last two thirds of the 1,300 foot sod strip. He stated that he was unable to stop the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, collided with a ditch, and nosed over. -