Incident Overview
A pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during landing after an unexpected wind shift. According to pilot-rated witnesses, the wind changed direction just before the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, contrary to the pilot's expectation of a quartering headwind.
Sequence of Events
Upon touchdown, the tailwind lifted the aircraft's tail, making it difficult for the pilot to maintain alignment with the runway. During the attempted correction, the aircraft departed the runway surface and entered soft, wet terrain alongside the runway.
Damage
After entering the soft terrain, one of the main landing gear legs separated from the aircraft. The extent of additional damage is not specified in the source.
Contributing Factors
The source notes that the pilot believed he was landing in a quartering headwind, but witnesses observed a wind shift prior to touchdown that resulted in a tailwind condition. This change compromised the aircraft's directional control during the landing roll.