Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control following an encounter with gusty crosswind during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After an uneventful 40-minute cross-country flight, the pilot set up to land his tailwheel airplane. The pilot checked with the tower and the controller reported the wind from 240° at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot set up to land on runway 22. The pilot stated that upon landing, the airplane encountered a strong gusty crosswind and he lost directional control. The airplane veered to the left across the runway surface and flipped inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, wing struts, and fuselage.
Source record
Factual narrative
After an uneventful 40-minute cross country flight, the pilot set up to land his tailwheel airplane. The pilot checked with the tower and they reported the wind from 240 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot set up to land on runway 22. The pilot stated that upon landing, the aircraft encountered a strong gusty crosswind and he lost directional control. The aircraft veered to the left across the runway surface and flipped inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, wing struts, and fuselage.