Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a tailwind, which resulted in a landing gear collapse and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on runway 16, he did not check the windsock and subsequently landed with a tailwind. During the landing roll, the airplane veered, and he was not able to regain control. The right landing gear collapsed, and the right wing was substantially damaged when it contacted the runway surface. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 5 knots.