Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's use of excessive braking after landing with a tailwind and after an extended touchdown to avoid deer on the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he overflew the turf airstrip and observed the windsock, which indicated "little to no wind." While on short final, and beyond the point where he could accomplish a safe go-around, he realized that he was landing with a tailwind. He saw some deer that had emerged from the trees and were on the runway and had to add power to avoid them. He continued the landing, and after touchdown, he applied heavy braking in an attempt to prevent the airplane from overrunning the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted. The vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the top of both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he overflew the turf airstrip and observed the windsock, which indicated "little to no wind." While on short final, and beyond the point to accomplish a safe go-around, he realized that he was landing with a tailwind. He also had to add power to avoid several deer that emerged from the trees and were on the runway. He continued the landing and after touchdown, he applied heavy braking in an attempt to prevent the airplane from overrunning the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted. The vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the top of both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.