Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare with a tailwind, which resulted in a propeller strike.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare, he "felt a big push from behind," which resulted in a propeller strike and substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The airplane landed on runway 6.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare he "felt a big push from behind", which resulted in a propeller strike and substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The airplane landed on runway 6.