American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC N443RL accident near Pineville, Missouri

Probable cause

The change in wind direction during landing, which resulted in a tailwind condition and runway overrun.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was conducting a landing at a remote grass airstrip in mountainous terrain. The pilot stated that before landing he flew over the airstrip and saw the windsock orientation was consistent with a southwest wind direction. The pilot decided to land on runway 19. After touchdown, the pilot reportedly saw the windsock orientation had changed to a northwest wind direction. The pilot continued the landing roll but was unable to stop the airplane before the end of the runway. The airplane departed the runway end and descended a slope during which the right wing struck a tree. The airplane then pivoted around the tree and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Based on the available information, it is likely the wind changed direction during the landing, which resulted in a tailwind condition, a higher-than-normal ground speed upon touchdown, and insufficient runway length to stop before the end of the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA039 for the full record.