Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing approach in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he encountered rough air, and the airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted, substantially damaging the wings and fuselage. At the time of the accident, the airplane was landing with a right quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during landing in the tail-wheel equipped airplane, rough air was encountered on approach and the airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted substantially damaging the wings and fuselage. At the time of the accident, the airplane was landing with a right quartering tail wind of 10 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.