Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a left quartering tailwind and wind gusts.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while attempting to land his tailwheel equipped airplane in a left-quartering tailwind, he encountered a strong gust of wind and subsequently lost control. The airplane veered off the runway, the left main landing gear sunk in the mud and the airplane nosed over. Both wings, the vertical stabilizer and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems and the accident could have been prevented if he had executed a go-around and landed in the opposite direction.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while attempting to land his tail-wheel equipped airplane in a left-quartering tailwind, he encountered a strong gust of wind and subsequently lost control of the airplane and flipped over. Both wings, the vertical stabilizer and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems and the accident could have been prevented if he had executed a go-around and landed in the opposite direction.