Incident
On February 16, 2011, at approximately 0830 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N7153Z, nosed over while on the ground after landing at Twin Falls, Idaho. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer. Both the owner/pilot and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) check airman on board received minor injuries.
Background
The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as a required annual check ride (Part 135.293(b)). The pilot and check airman had scheduled multiple check rides in various airplanes over a three-day period, which was later compressed to two days. The pilot noted that strong winds on the first day prevented completing the check ride in the accident airplane.
Weather
On the second day, the pilot and check airman observed the wind at departure as from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots, while using runway 25. After completing air work and returning for landing, the pilot reported that the wind had increased to 33 knots with gusts to 39 knots.
Sequence of Events
The first landing attempt resulted in a go-around. The pilot successfully landed on the second attempt and came to a full stop on the runway centerline. With the brakes set and the engine idling, a quartering tailwind blew the airplane over.
Outcome
The pilot stated that weather had caused delays on two previous occasions, and he lived in a different state than the check airman. He decided to proceed with the check rides to return home. He later recommended that he should have cancelled the check ride again and scheduled it for another day.