Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions and failure to maintain aircraft control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said he was taxiing to runway 19 for departure. The reported winds were from 190 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 26 knots. The pilot taxied to the end of the runway after performing all the preflight checks and he turned to a downwind direction to check for landing traffic. As the airplane turned, the right wing began to rise and the airplane nosed over, bending and wrinkling both wings, the empennage, and the rudder.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot said he was taxiing to runway 19 for departure. The reported winds were from 190 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 26 knots. The pilot taxied to the end of the runway after performing all the preflight checks and he turned to a downwind direction to check for landing traffic. As the airplane turned, the right wing began to rise and the airplane nosed over, bending and wrinkling both wings, the empennage, and the rudder.