N85311 accident

NTSB WPR25LA168 · 2025-06-02 · Port Townsend, WA · near 0S9

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual narrative

The flight instructor stated that they had completed two landings and had configured the airplane for a third full-stop landing. With the student pilot manipulating the controls, the airplane touched down on the centerline in a three-point landing attitude. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane began veering to the left and the flight instructor assumed control of the airplane. Despite her attempts, the airplane continued off the runway surface and the left landing gear collided with a sign. As a result of the collision, the left wing strut was damaged. The flight instructor noted that the wind was reported as light and variable. During the accident landing, the wind had shifted to a 180° tailwind of approximately 10 knots, initiating the left veer off the runway.

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action and inadequate compensation for shifting wind conditions which resulted in a veer off the runway and collision with a sign. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type
Accident
Highest injury
None
Weather conditions
Visual Meteorological Cond
Light condition
Day
Sky condition
NONE
Ceiling (ft)
0
Visibility (sm)
10
Wind direction
0
Temperature (F)
63
Nearest airport
JEFFERSON COUNTY INTL
Distance from field
0.0
Airport elevation
110

Aircraft

RegistrationMakeModelDamageFAR part
N85311 — — SUBS 091

Sequence of events

#OccurrencePhase
1 Landing Loss of control on ground defining Cruise

Findings

Finding
Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Delayed action-Instructor/check pilot cause
Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Sudden wind shift-Ability to respond/compensate cause
Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Instructor/check pilot cause