Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper aircraft handling during ground operation with a gusty tailwind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot landed on runway 20 in gusty wind conditions. At the end of the runway, he made a left turn onto the taxiway. He reported the wind began to push the aircraft on the ice-covered taxiway, until the '...tail of aircraft was directly into wind.' he stated: 'at this point aircraft stopped moving for just a few seconds then a large gust began to lift tail of plane up to point of prop ground contact.' the aircraft came to rest inverted. The pilot reported when the airplane began to skid, he applied the brakes. The pilot estimated winds out of 200 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. A weather observation taken 26 minutes after the accident indicated winds out of 230 degrees at 35 knots, with gusts to 48 knots. The pilot reported 1548 hours total flight time, including 2.1 hours in the accident make and model aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
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