On August 17, 2003, a Cessna 185 (registration N185LC) was involved in an aviation accident near Emmett, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to reduce his level of brake application to a level that would compensate for the effects of the tailwind, and therefore the aircraft nosed over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot of a tailwheel aircraft experienced a nose-over after a landing roll in variable gusting winds, attributed to a right quartering tailwind and excessive brake application.
Accident Overview
A pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped aircraft completed one touch-and-go landing and was on the landing roll of a second approach. The aircraft encountered a right quartering tailwind shortly after touchdown, which pushed it toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to maintain directional control and bring the aircraft to a stop, the pilot applied differential braking. However, the pilot failed to reduce the level of brake application to compensate for the effects of the tailwind, causing the aircraft to nose over on the runway surface.
Pilot Observations
According to the pilot, the aircraft's brakes and flight controls were functioning normally, with no apparent mechanical issues. The pilot stated that without the tailwind, the nose-over likely would not have occurred.
Pilot Recommendation
In the recommendation section of the report submitted to the NTSB, the pilot advised: "Don't try to land with quartering tailwind."
Probable cause
The pilot failed to reduce his level of brake application to a level that would compensate for the effects of the tailwind, and therefore the aircraft nosed over.