GAA19CA202

Factual narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the approach, the wind velocity increased and became turbulent. He recalled that during the landing roll, "I immediately applied a slight amount of forward stick," but when the tailwheel contacted the surface, "the wind suddenly changed to a tailwind," and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, both wing lift struts, and the engine mounts. The nearest METAR was located at an airport 1 mile away from the accident site, and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 10 knots. The visibility was 10 statute miles, and the clouds were broken at 6,500ft MSL and deteriorating. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the approach, the wind speed increased and became turbulent. He recalled that, during the landing roll, "I immediately applied a slight amount of forward stick," but when the tailwheel contacted the surface, "the wind suddenly changed to a tailwind," and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, both wing lift struts, and the engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The nearest METAR, located at an airport 1 mile away from the accident site, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 10 knots, visibility was 10 statute miles, and the clouds were broken at 6,500 ft mean sea level and deteriorating. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Sudden wind shift-Contributed to outcome