Incident Overview
A pilot reported to air traffic control during the landing approach that the surface winds were near the recommended maximum for the airplane. The pilot stated he informed the controller about the possibility of diverting to a specific airport. According to the pilot, the controller responded that the winds at that airport were worse. The pilot chose to continue the landing.
Circumstances of the Landing
On approach, the pilot described that the airplane was "immediately pushed to the right by a gust." The airplane subsequently crossed runway 36 and entered an area of loping terrain, where it nosed over. The wind conditions at the time were reported as 290 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 31 knots.
Alternative Airport Considerations
An airport located approximately 13 miles west of the accident airport featured an east-west runway. The pilot explained that he did not divert to that airport because he believed the same wind conditions existed there as at the airport he had inquired about with the controller.
Crosswind Components
The maximum crosswind component specified for the airplane was 15 miles per hour. The existing crosswind component during the landing was 18 knots (equivalent to 22 miles per hour).