Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a tailwind, which resulted in a landing gear collapse and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on runway 16, he did not check the windsock and subsequently landed with a tailwind. During the landing roll, the airplane veered, and he was not able to regain control. The right landing gear collapsed, and the right wing was substantially damaged when it contacted the runway surface. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 5 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA132 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 12, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Eastsound, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Orcas Island Airport (ORCS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-135
- N-number
- N1224C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.