Primary finding
Probable cause
Selection of the wrong runway by the pilot after misreading the wind sock. The resultant tailwind was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Before making an approach and landing at the uncontrolled airport, the pilot overflew the runway to check the wind sock. He elected to land on runway 23, which was 2103 feet long. During the landing roll, the airplane overran the end of the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The wind was 060 at 12 knots. The pilot stated that he misread the wind sock.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 19, 1993, at 1630 central daylight time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N8753E, was substantially damaged when it overran the runway during landing rollout at the New Lenox-Howell Airport, New Lenox, Illinois. Neither the airline transport certificated pilot nor his three passengers were injured. The personal flight originated at the Park Rapids Municipal Airport, Park Rapids, Minnesota. An IFR flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The wind was from 060 at 12 knots. The pilot landed on runway 23. In his statement, the pilot wrote that he misinterpreted the wind sock and landed downwind. -