Flight Preparation
Prior to takeoff from Montrose, Colorado, the pilot contacted Telluride airport, located 33.3 nautical miles to the south, and asked an airport employee about the weather conditions. The employee advised that the wind was calm.
Landing
Before landing at Telluride, the pilot listened to the airport's Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), which again indicated calm wind. He then confirmed this with the airport's windsock. The touchdown and initial rollout on runway 09 were normal. However, after the aircraft's tail was lowered onto the runway, the airplane encountered a tailwind gust and ground looped.
Post-Accident Observations
When the pilot exited the aircraft, he noted that the winds were out of the west.
Airport Information
Telluride airport has no recorded weather reporting facility. The closest weather facility is located at Montrose. At 1053, the winds were reported from 290 degrees at 6 knots. According to the FAA's Airport/Facility Directory, all landings at Telluride should be performed on runway 09 to avoid populated areas.