While Landing With A Variable Tailwind The Airplane Touched Down About 2,500 Ft Down The Runway, Bounced, And Landed Hard

Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin Accident Number: CEN25LA279
Date & Time: July 22, 2025, 14:32 Local Registration: N71AW
Aircraft: Dyke Delta JD-2 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Air race/show

Analysis: The pilot was flying in the Homebuilt Showcase during the EAA AirVenture air show. The pilot reported that while landing with a variable tailwind the airplane touched down about 2,500 ft down the runway, bounced, and landed hard. The pilot applied brakes, and the right main tire began to squeal. The airplane departed the landing surface to the left. The right main landing gear collapsed, the nose landing gear separated. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts and the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing with a tailwind.  

FMI: www.ntsb.gov