Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a roll-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that she aborted the first landing due to the wind changing direction and slight gusts. During the rollout after the second landing, the pilot applied brakes as the wind simultaneously shifted and lifted the tail upward, which resulted in the propeller striking the runway and the airplane coming to rest in a nose-low attitude. Shortly after, another wind gust lifted the tail, which caused the airplane to flip over. The right-wing lift strut, rudder, and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, she aborted the first landing due to the wind changing direction with slight gusts. During the second landing, as the airplane was rolling out, the pilot applied brakes as the wind simultaneously shifted and lifted the tail of the airplane upward, which resulted in the airplane coming to rest in a nose low attitude. The pilot said that following a momentary pause, another gust of wind lifted the tail and flipped the airplane upside down, near the right side of the runway. The right-wing lift strut, rudder, and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.