Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to obtain/maintain directional control. Contributing factors were a crosswind and a snow bank.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane entered the airport traffic pattern, and he made a visual approach to runway 35 with a 90 degree crosswind. He stated that he was "slow" on final, and when he touched down using a soft field landing procedure, the airplane was "pushed" off the runway by a wind gust, contacted a snow bank with the left main landing gear tire, and nosed over. Both wings were damaged.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane entered the airport traffic pattern and he performed a visual approach to runway 35 with a 90 degree crosswind to the landing direction. He stated that he was "slow" on final and when he touched down using a soft field landing procedure, the airplane was "pushed" off the runway by a wind gust, contacted a snow bank with the left main landing gear tire, and nosed over. Both wings were substantially damaged.