Cessna 195 N9368A accident near Big Bear, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane at a familiar airport, which he described as often having unpredictable, variable winds. As he approached, automated radio weather reports indicated calm winds for the planned landing runway, and he heard another pilot on the radio indicating he had just landed on the same runway. On final approach, the pilot noticed the windsock indicated he was landing with a significant tailwind, and that the airplane’s ground speed was faster than anticipated. He elected to continue the landing; after touching down a gust picked up the right wing, which the pilot compensated for using right aileron control input. The airplane abruptly exited the right side of the runway and crossed an unpaved area to the parallel taxiway where it ground looped, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on Runway 08. An automated weather report 15 minutes prior to the accident indicated a right quartering tailwind from 210° at 8 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA135 for the full record.