Incident Overview
An aircraft arrived at an airport where the pilot was unable to contact the Flight Service Station (FSS). Unbeknownst to the pilot, the FSS station had already closed. The pilot observed the wind sock and elected to land on Runway 01 despite a wind from 325 degrees at 30 knots.
Approach and Landing
On final approach, the pilot required a distinct crab angle of about 20 to 25 degrees to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. The aircraft touched down on the centerline with no flaps deployed. However, the pilot was unable to keep the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway at approximately a 20-degree angle.
Post-Landing Sequence
After leaving the runway, the nosewheel struck a 10-inch sand dune. The impact caused the nose gear to fail, and the aircraft nosed over.