Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot selected the wrong runway relative to the wind, and misjudged the proper touchdowm point on the runway. The tailwind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while attempting a tailwind landing on a private airstrip, the airplane touched down on the last 500 feet of the grass runway and nosed over as he applied heavy braking. The prevailing winds were 10 to 15 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 10, 1996, at 1500 central daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, N10ZP, nosed over during an attempted landing at a private airstrip near Morris, Alabama, The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Cullman, Alabama, at 1430. According to the pilot, while attempting a tailwind landing on a private airstrip, the airplane touched down on the last 500 feet of the grass runway, and nosed over as the pilot applied heavy braking. Reportedly, the prevailing winds were 10 to 15 knots when the pilot attempted the landing. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. -