NTSB Factual Report

On November 20, 2001, about 0800 central standard time, a Cessna 175A, N7095E, registered to an individual, collapsed the right main landing gear and damaged the right wing while stopping the airplane after a run on landing at Klumpp Field, Fairhope, Alabama, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Fairhope, the same day, about 0750.

The pilot stated he departed Fairhope with a planned destination of Monroeville, Alabama. The winds were calm during departure and he took off to the south. After flying about 5 miles toward the destination, the weather became bad and he elected to return to the departure airport. He approached to land to the south and during approach wind gust from the north increased his touchdown speed. The runway was also wet due to recent rain showers and he had poor braking action. About midway down the runway he realized the airplane was not stopping and he did not have enough runway to abort the landing. He saw cars driving on the highway at the end of the runway. When he reached the end of the runway, he applied full left rudder and full engine power, in an attempt to ground loop the airplane. The airplane turned 90 degrees to the left and slid sideways. The airplane slid into a ditch and the right main gear collapsed. The airplane came to a stop with the right wing hanging over the highway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to check wind conditions prior to landing resulting in a landing with a tailwind, on a wet runway, and damage to the airplane during a ground loop in an attempt to stop the airplane before over running the runway.