Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll with gusting crosswinds, which resulted in his excessive brake input and a subsequent nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing on his private grass strip in gusting crosswind conditions, when he noted the landing roll extended longer than he expected. As he approached the end of the runway, he got on the brakes “too hard” and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, both wing struts, and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he should have been less aggressive on the brakes.