Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a tailwind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during touchdown, the wind shifted to a tailwind. He added that he attempted to go around but was unable. Subsequently, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing impacted the ground. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The airplane landed on runway 7.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing touchdown, the wind shifted to a tailwind. He added that he attempted to go-around but was unable. Subsequently, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing impacted the ground. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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 about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 14 knots, gusting 19 knots. The airplane landed on runway 7.