NTSB Factual Report

On May 19, 2001, approximately 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172, N4053F, registered to and operated by the private pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the terrain during the landing roll at a private mountain airstrip near Rogersburg, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from Lewiston, Idaho, about 30 minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that while on final approach (up river) and about 10 to 15 feet above ground level, the wind suddenly shifted to a quartering tailwind from the left. The pilot tried to abort the landing, however, there was not sufficient airspeed for the go-around. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear in a yawed attitude to the direction of travel. When the nose wheel touched, it collapsed and the right wing contacted the surface. The airplane turned sideways and the left wing also contacted the surface before the airplane came to a stop.

The pilot reported that another aircraft landed just prior to his approach. This pilot reported to the accident pilot that for his landing, the wind direction was down the runway at about five to six knots.

The Washington Pilots Association reported that this airstrip just opened on the same day as this accident. The report indicated that the airstrip was in good condition, and there was a warning about mowing equipment in the area. The report also indicated that the airstrip is 1,500 feet in length and at an elevation of 850 feet mean sea level. Cautions were indicated for winds coming out of Hells Canyon and the Grande Ronde, which could give the worst combination of head, tail, and crosswind, all at the same time.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach for landing. A tailwind was a factor.