Amateur-built ZODIAC 601XL N418CM accident near Meriden, Connecticut

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he landed with a tailwind and that the airplane touched down farther down the runway than usual. When the pilot applied brakes to exit the runway onto the taxiway, the tires skidded, and the airplane pivoted to the left before coming to rest inverted. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left and right wings and to the vertical stabilizer. 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA233 for the full record.