Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC41-550FG N1294P accident near Chatham, Massachusetts

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point while landing with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane was established on a straight-in nighttime visual approach. During landing, he observed that the runway was wet from recent rainfall. After touchdown with a right quartering tailwind, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and became airborne. The airplane stayed airborne for a few hundred feet before touching down again. The pilot subsequently applied the brakes; however, the airplane overran the end of the runway, continued down a grassy slope and impacted the perimeter fence, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA059 for the full record.