Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he encountered a gusting left crosswind. He was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane veered off the runway to the left. The airplane subsequently collided with a drainage ditch and nosed over coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.