Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a crosswind gust during the landing roll and subsequently departed the right side of the runway pavement onto snow covered terrain adjacent to the runway. The nose landing gear sunk into the soft ground adjacent to the runway and the airplane nosed over coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot, at the time of the accident, the airplane was landing on runway 27 with winds 18 knots gusting to 48 knots from a south-southwest direction.