Event Sequence
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during taxi after landing, he initially applied forward and right yoke inputs due to a tailwind. He later transitioned to back and left yoke inputs because the runway was soft and wet. The airplane then encountered a left quartering tailwind gust, causing it to spin into an adjacent soybean field. After the pilot exited the airplane to examine damage, another gust of wind flipped the airplane inverted.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after exiting the airplane, he observed windshield damage prior to the second wind gust. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield. He also stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that the wind was from the southwest at 8 to 15 knots. At the time, the airplane was taxiing north.
Relevant Guidance
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3B, contains a section titled "Taxiing" that addresses quartering tailwinds. The handbook states that when taxiing with a quartering tailwind, the elevator should be held in the down position, and the upwind aileron should be down. These control positions reduce the tendency of the wind to get under the tail and wing and to nose the airplane over, also minimizing the weathervaning tendency for easier steering.