Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion, impact with a ditch, and subsequent nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a "big gust of wind," and the airplane veered left. The airplane exited the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 11. The calculated crosswind component was about 14 knots. The manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook stated, "The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability as well as aircraft limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can be handled with safety."
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a "big gust of wind" and the airplane veered left. The airplane exited the runway, impacted a ditch and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane landed on runway 11. The calculated crosswind component was about 14 knots. The manufacturer's pilot's operating handbook states, "The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability as well as aircraft limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can be handled with safety."