Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was landing a single-engine airplane after completing a pipeline patrol flight with no passengers aboard. The pilot executed a wheels landing on Runway 30. The reported wind was from 270 degrees at 28 knots.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, a wind gust from the left side, estimated by the pilot at 50 knots, lifted the left wing. As a result, the right wing tip struck gravel on the right edge of the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane ground looped to the right. Subsequently, the gust lifted the tail, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Damage Assessment
Damage was reported to the cabin top, rudder, propeller, and wing spar. No other details about injuries or other damage were provided.
Remarks
The pilot did not attribute the incident to any mechanical failure, and no probable cause was stated in the original investigation source. The event underscores the challenges of landing in gusty crosswind conditions.