Crystal River, FL, USA
N18PE
PIPER PA-28-161
The pilot stated that the approach to the runway was normal, but the airplane touched down further down the runway than he expected. He added power to take off but did not have enough airspeed and runway remaining; he subsequently reduced the engine power and applied the brakes. The airplane exited the end of the runway and impacted a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall and both left and right wings. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. He stated that after the accident he looked at the windsock and there was a strong tailwind.
The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight to an unfamiliar airport. He stated that as he neared the airport, he obtained information from the airport's automated weather observation system, which reported calm wind. The pilot selected runway 09, and conducted an approach to the runway in order to perform a touch and go landing. However, the pilot stated the airplane was not in a position to land, and subsequently performed a go-around. The pilot stated that the second approach was normal, but the airplane touched down on the runway further from the intended point of landing than he expected. He added power to take off, but could not become airborne within the remaining runway. The pilot reduced engine power and applied brakes, but the airplane traveled off the end of the runway and impacted a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall and both left and right wings. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane and that, after the accident, the airport windsock indicated a tailwind condition. Recorded weather at the airport about the time of the accident included wind from 310 degrees at 7 knots.
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his improper decision to perform a go-around with a tailwind and insufficient runway remaining.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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