What happened
The pilot elected to conduct an approach and landing on a gravel road that was heavily surrounded by brush. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft encountered a quartering headwind estimated at approximately 30 degrees from the left side. While maintaining the flight path toward the runway, a rapid rate of descent developed unexpectedly.
As the aircraft continued its descent, the left wingtip made contact with the top of a tree. This impact caused the aircraft to yaw sharply to the left. Upon touchdown on the gravel surface, the nose gear collapsed due to the abnormal attitude and forces involved. The aircraft then entered the brush located on the left side of the road, where it ultimately nosed over.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the initial point of contact was the tree top with the left wingtip. The subsequent collapse of the nose gear and the final resting position within the brush were consistent with the loss of control during the landing phase.