The pilot reported that during landing at the airport in Livermore, California, in a gusting tailwind from the right, the Cessna 182 touched down, exited the left side of the runway, and hit runway lights and taxiway signs. The airplane continued across the adjoining taxiway, and then came to a stop.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points.
The pilot reported that the wind at the time of the landing was from 350° at 12 knots, and gusting to 19 knots. He landed on Runway 25R.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a gusting tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with runway lights and taxiway signage.
This February 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I think this is something that needs to be covered in the BFR.
Why? Suppose the winds are 15 degrees to the left off your nose and variable. And then they suddenly shift 180 degrees (I’ve had it happen during a departure just as I rotated). How are you going to handle this?
Or, you have your engine quit and you have to land with a quartering tail wind because that is the only runway you have available within gliding distance.
350/19 would only be a 3kt tailwind component so a tailwind component wasn’t likely much of a factor. Generally I’ve seen that pilots aren’t quite as proficient with right crosswinds as left, in my opinion because the left rudder pedal is not depressed anywhere nearly as much as the right (which is used for nearly all takeoff rolls and all climbs).
40 years ago my crusty old instructor beat into my head to never land with a tail wind. Especially a quartering tailwind. This Bozo is the reason my (our) insurance went up 15% this year. Interestingly enough though, my insurance company blamed it it part to COVID. They never mentioned Bozo the Pilot. My apologies to Clowns everywhere.