Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's overapplication of brakes during landing in gusting tailwind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing on an uphill, 800-ft-long unimproved airstrip in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, the airplane encountered a strong tailwind gust. The pilot landed the airplane beyond the intended point of landing and applied full brakes to avoid hitting terrain, and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and the wing lift struts sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated that before the accident, the wind on nearby lakes was light from the west, and he anticipated a tailwind landing to the east; however, after the accident the wind was gusting to 25 knots. He added that the airstrip had no safe go-around route due to terrain and slope.
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA075