Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to land with a 20-knot tailwind and his failure to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun.
NTSB analysis
While landing on a 2,290-foot private turf runway, the airplane continued beyond the end of the runway, went through a barbed wire fence, and collided with a tree. The pilot stated that he landed with a 20-knot tailwind and was unable to stop before the end of the runway. The airplane’s right wing was substantially damaged. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA212 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 3, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Romney, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Eastview Private Airport (WV67)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172K
- N-number
- N79234
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.