Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper wind correction while taking off with a tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he turned the yoke to the right into the perceived quartering headwind. The tail lifted, the right wing dipped, he corrected by trying to lift off, but the right wheel remained on the ground. The airplane ground looped, exited the runway to the left, and nosed over. He further added that, while taking off, he misread the windsock and applied the wrong wind correction.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.
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 010° at 9 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 13.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA069