Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing roll, he let “the control column go to a neutral position” after touchdown, and a gust of wind raised the left wing. The airplane veered off the runway to the right, subsequently colliding with a windsock and 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.