Piper PA28-150 N5818W accident near Yellow Pine, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain and maintain an appropriate glide path, failure to perform a go-around, and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that his straight-in approach to the wet, grass airstrip was high and fast and that the increased speed was due to a strong tailwind. The pilot further reported that he touched down past midfield, and, when he applied the hand brake hard, the airplane veered 45 degrees to the left before impacting trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot stated that he could have gone around upon recognizing that the approach angle was high and that a tailwind condition existed. The pilot further stated that he could have flown over the field, observed the windsock, and landed into the wind.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA336 for the full record.