Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control after an unexpected wind gust/turbulence encounter during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the experimental weight-shift control aircraft stated that he was returning to the departure airport after an uneventful 90-minute test flight. During the landing approach, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind, then "violently" pitched up, rolled to the right, nosed over, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wings and nose. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal aircraft operation. The pilot stated that he believed that this was a “freak” accident caused by unanticipated turbulence over the runway at the time of touchdown.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the experimental weight-shift-control aircraft stated that he was returning to the departure airport at the conclusion of an uneventful 90 minute test flight. During the landing approach, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind, then "violently" pitched up, rolled to the right, nosed over, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the wings and nose. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.