Rockwell International 500 S N101AA accident near Willcox, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to compensate for tailwind conditions and maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The airplane was being operated as an air-attack coordinator for aerial, forest firefighting activity. The pilot reported that, as the airplane approached the vicinity of the destination airport, he was not able to see any wind indicators due to the low-light conditions at dusk. He contacted a fixed-base operator at the airport and was advised that the wind was light and variable, and, as he continued the approach, he noted that the tetrahedron was indicating a right quartering tailwind of "unknown strength." Following touchdown, the airplane immediately drifted right, which the pilot attributed to a 15-knot right quartering tailwind. Despite his attempts to manipulate the throttle to regain directional control, the airplane veered off the runway surface at an estimated ground speed of about 120 mph. The airplane encountered soft sand, and the pilot was subsequently unable to steer the airplane, which resulted in the left wing colliding with terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14TA278 for the full record.