Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a tailwind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel was touching down, the airplane swerved to the right and hit a taxiway sign. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about 30 minutes before the accident, that the wind was calm. The automated report further reported, about 30 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 270° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 08.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel was touching down the airplane swerved to the right and hit a taxiway sign. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about 30 minutes prior to the accident that the wind was calm. The automated report further reported, about 30 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 270° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 08.