Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's disorientation as a result of dust which reduced visibility.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after touchdown on a dirt airstrip he encountered a reduction in visibility due to what he believed to be dust kicked up due to a tailwind. The loss of visibility resulted in the airplane departing the runway and subsequently nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and to the left wing tip. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after touchdown on a dirt airstrip he encountered a reduction in visibility due to what he believed to be dust kicked up due to a tailwind. The loss of visibility resulted in the airplane departing the runway and subsequently nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and to the left wing tip. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.