Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while taxiing in moderate and gusty winds, he employed S-turns and control inputs to compensate for the wind conditions. Upon approaching the run-up area, he reduced power to decelerate. Shortly thereafter, the nose of the aircraft suddenly pitched down, and the aircraft nosed over.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he was uncertain whether he or the passenger had applied the brakes too firmly, which may have contributed to the nose-over.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, the recorded wind at Prescott, Arizona (1152 MST) was from 240 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots.