Mooney M20R N6868 accident near San Antonio, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s landing long in tailwind conditions with insufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, the airplane encountered a tailwind gust during landing. He reported that he frequented the airport and that it was common practice to land with a tailwind because of the preferred up-sloping runway. He asserted that he underestimated the significance of the wind conditions and that, when the airplane touched down, it was too late to abort the landing. The ground speed was too fast, and the airplane exited the departure end of the runway and collided with an embankment.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The METAR at the nearest airport, 2 nautical miles from the accident site, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 160° at 17 knots, gusting to 24 knots. The pilot landed on runway 30.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA224 for the full record.