Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while executing a three-point landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the airplane touched down and a wind gust pushed the nose of the airplane to the left. The pilot attempted to keep the wings level and remain on the runway. He then applied the brakes and “shoved” the flight control stick forward. The airplane hit the runway on its nose and came to rest upright which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 17 with wind from 090° at 9 knots.