Piper PA-34-220T N110RV accident near Sedona, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

In preparation for a flight home, the pilot started his airplane's left engine. However, the right engine would not start and the battery became depleted. The pilot acquired assistance from a local fixed base operator who supplied current from an external battery, and the right engine started. The pilot proceeded to check all of the airplane's instruments and noted no anomalies. Seconds after takeoff on runway 21, when the pilot attempted to raise the landing gear, all electrical power was lost. The pilot reversed course and immediately landed on runway 03 with a 15- to 24-knot left quartering tailwind. The pilot misjudged the landing flare, the airplane touched down hard, and the right engine's propeller and wing impacted the runway and were damaged.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA240 for the full record.