Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control after the airplane encountered a gust of wind during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the tail wheel equipped airplane reported that, he overflew the runway to check the windsock. Having established the wind was out of the southwest, he entered the traffic pattern, and confirmed the wind condition again during the downwind leg. The landing approach and touchdown were uneventful, until the airplane encountered a gust of wind that caused a change in heading. The airplane flew toward a fence, and the pilot applied engine power to correct the drift, but the airplane struck the fence and nosed over. The wings 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.