Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a collision with a snowbank.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that after departure he flew for over an hour and 15 minutes and then was maneuvering the airplane when he felt pressure in his inner ears. He was unable to equalize the pressure and opted to land back at the airport. He configured the airplane for landing, but was focused on getting relief for his ears. The airplane touched down normally and he manipulated the flight control stick fully aft. The pilot experienced a loss of directional control and the left tire collided with a snowbank. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.