Approach and Wind Assessment
The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) approach to a remote airstrip measuring 800 feet in length. During the approach, the pilot overflew the runway to observe the windsock. Observing the windsock hanging limp, the pilot assumed the winds around the runway were calm and continued the approach.
Encounter with Tailwind Gust
As the aircraft neared the approach end of the uphill-sloping runway, it encountered a strong tailwind gust. The gust pushed the aircraft too far up the strip to land, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around.
Go-Around and Terrain Contact
The pilot's decision to initiate the go-around was made too late, and the aircraft was unable to out-climb the terrain on the departure end of the runway. During the go-around sequence, the landing gear contacted low-growing brush, causing the airplane to flip over onto its back.
Witness Reports of Wind Conditions
Ground witnesses later informed the pilot that the winds had been variable in direction all morning, changing rapidly from nearly calm to gusting as high as 20 miles per hour.