Incident Details
A student pilot completed the second leg of a solo cross-country flight and landed at an en route airport. After landing, he taxied to a hangar to rest before departing. While preparing to depart, he taxied and stopped short of Runway 31 on a southeasterly heading, where he waited for a takeoff clearance. After stopping, a tail wind lifted the aircraft onto its nose and right wing tip, then blew it over onto its back.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that the wind was from 280 degrees at 28 knots, gusting to 38 knots. The 1455 CST wind at the airport was reported from 300 degrees at 23 knots, gusting to 42 knots. Personnel at the aircraft's home base reported that surface winds were approximately 7 knots at the initial departure time and were forecast to remain the same. They further stated that the maximum wind for soloing was 18 knots, but the student elected to return regardless of the winds.
Pilot Background
The student stated that he was not briefed on specific wind limits. He had received 40 flight hours over 17 months, with approximately 10 hours at the FBO.