Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing of the airplane. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, firewall, left wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. An examination of the airplane revealed that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.