Accident Overview
A commercial pilot lost control of a tailwheel-equipped airplane during the landing roll after the wind shifted to a gusty tailwind. A witness observed the airplane execute a wheel landing on the centerline of runway 16. After all three wheels were on the ground, the airplane began drifting to the left of the centerline. The left main wheel departed the pavement, and as the right wing started to rise, the pilot advanced the engine to full power.
Wind Conditions
The witness noted that upon looking back at the windsock, the winds had suddenly shifted from a quartering headwind to a gusting quartering tailwind. Winds reported at Midland International Airport, located 9 nautical miles to the northwest, were from 230 degrees at 11 knots. The pilot reported in the enclosed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 that the winds were from the southwest at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
Sequence of Events
After applying full power, the airplane cleared the airport's perimeter fence; however, the left wing impacted a power line pole. The aircraft sustained damage from the collision.