On 7 May 2013, a HUGHES CHARLES R ZODIAC 601XL operated by HUGHES CHARLES R was involved in an aviation accident near Meriden, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A pilot reported that after landing with a tailwind, the airplane touched down long, skidded during braking, pivoted left, and came to rest inverted, causing substantial wing and tail damage.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the landing was performed with a tailwind. The airplane touched down further down the runway than usual. When the pilot applied brakes to exit the runway onto the taxiway, the tires skidded. The airplane then pivoted around to the left before coming to rest inverted.
Damage
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to both left and right wings and the vertical stabilizer.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He further stated that he was fatigued, had “rushed” the landing approach, and had not taken time to properly evaluate the wind conditions prior to landing.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotDecision related to condition