What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting practice maneuvers specifically designed for tundra landing operations. The aircraft had recently been equipped with newly installed tundra tires intended to facilitate operations on unimproved surfaces. During one such attempt, the pilot selected an unimproved site located off the airport for a landing exercise.
As the airplane approached the ground and made contact with the surface, it encountered a slight gust of wind coming from behind. The pilot attempted to manage the aircraft's momentum by applying the brakes. However, the combination of the tailwind component and the braking action resulted in a loss of directional control. The nose of the aircraft pitched up sharply, causing the airplane to rotate forward and come to rest on its back.
The investigation
Following the accident, the pilot provided a statement regarding the circumstances leading to the event. He acknowledged that he made an error in determining the wind direction and speed prior to and during the landing attempt. This misjudgment of the environmental conditions contributed significantly to the loss of control during the critical phase of the landing.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's inability to accurately assess the wind conditions. The presence of a tailwind gust, which the pilot failed to account for properly, combined with the application of brakes on an unimproved surface, led to the nosing over of the aircraft. This highlights the critical importance of accurate wind assessment when operating in variable weather conditions, particularly during low-speed maneuvers on uneven terrain.