Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot-in-command's misjudging compensation for wind conditions. Factors were tailwind, and wind information confusing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot-in-command stated that he checked the windsock and found it to be erratic. He landed the airplane on runway 35, however was unable to stop on the runway and overran the end. He stated that he thought he had picked up a tailwind on touch down. The fbo stated that the wind had been variable all day.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 25, 1994, at 1215 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 181, N2331M, registered to Smith Center Kite Club, Inc., of Smith Center, Kansas, and operated by a private pilot, experienced an overrun on runway 35 (2,200' x 60' turf/gravel) at Browns Field, Weeping Water, Nebraska. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Freemont, Nebraska, at 1145. The pilot stated that he checked the windsock and it was favoring runway 35 but it was erratic. The pilot reported he was aware that the field was short so he made a conscientious effort to land slow and short. The pilot stated upon touch down he felt like he might have "picked up a surface tailwind." The airplane landed long, ran off the end of the runway, and went down an embankment. According to the pilot, the Fixed Based Operator stated "that the wind had been trying to find a direction all morning." -