Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in quartering tailwind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll with a "light quartering tailwind," the airplane veered off the runway to the left into soft mud and nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The nearest automated weather observation station, located 7 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded variable wind at 5 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 2.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll with a "light quartering tailwind," the airplane veered off the runway to the left into soft mud and nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The nearest automated weather observation station 7 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded variable wind at 5 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 2.