Flight Purpose and Weather Deterioration
The flight was conducted to survey the area and photograph property damage caused by Hurricane Hugo. While in the area, the weather began to deteriorate, and the pilot elected to land at East Cooper Airport.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The pilot reported that during landing with a tailwind, the aircraft floated over halfway down the runway before touching down. He was unable to stop on the remaining wet runway. After departing the runway, the aircraft encountered muddy terrain and nosed over.
Windsock and Communication Issues
The pilot reported that he did not see the windsock due to its location and its shredded and dirty condition, a result of hurricane damage. Additionally, UNICOM was not available due to the lack of electrical power at the airport.
Weather Conditions
The pilot estimated the weather at the time as: ceiling 1,500 feet overcast, visibility 3 miles with light rain and fog, wind 15 to 20 knots. Approximately 13 miles west at Charleston, South Carolina, the 1550 EDT weather was in part: ceiling 2,300 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles, wind from 050 degrees at 12 knots.