Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot selected the wrong runway relative to the wind and then delayed in aborting the landing. The tailwind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
At the end of a cross country pleasure flight, the pilot set-up for a landing on runway 14. While on downwind, the pilot noted that the wind sock was limp, so he decided to make a 180 degree turn and land on runway 32. After the airplane touched down, the pilot felt the airplane being pushed by a tailwind. The airplane became airborne and the pilot forced the airplane back to the runway. The pilot applied brakes; however, the airplane began to skid. Seeing that he was running out of runway to stop, and anticipating an accident, the pilot applied full power to clear a two foot fence at the end of the runway, and a public road that runs perpendicular to the runway; however, the left horizontal stabilizer contacted the fence. The airplane continued over the road and the left wing contacted, and was separated by, a car parked next to a building approximately 100 feet from the end of the runway. The airplane continued along the side of the building, contacting the northeast corner. The airplane then came to rest on its left side.
Source record
Factual narrative
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