NTSB Factual Report

On February 28, 2004, about 1130 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 120, N3029N, came to rest inverted after a loss of directional control on landing at a private strip near Red Bluff, California. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local area flight departed from Red Bluff Municipal Airport (RBL), with a planned destination of the private field. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to land on a private runway about 20 feet wide. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a quartering tailwind. The airplane veered off to the left of the runway, and despite rudder inputs, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered soft, muddy terrain, resulting in the landing gear sinking in. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane incurred damage to the wing strut, vertical stabilizer, cowling, and wings.

The pilot reported that the winds at the time of the accident were calm, with sudden gusts. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway. A contributing factor were the gusty tailwind conditions.