Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare while landing off-airport with a tailwind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that before landing on an unimproved airstrip, he tried to identify the wind direction using a ribbon located at the high point along the airstrip that was above the treetops. He also over flew the airstrip both ways at about 1,500 ft to verify what the ribbon was showing. During the landing, the airplane was not aligned with the airstrip, and the left main landing gear touched down first, which imposed a significate side load to the left main landing gear assembly. After the landing, the pilot noticed that he had landed with a quartering tailwind. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right-wing rear spar. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.