Accident Details
According to statements made by the pilot to two FAA inspectors, the accident occurred during an attempted landing on a 600-foot-long off-airport landing site. The pilot reported a 25-knot crosswind with gusts reaching 35 knots. During the landing, the right main landing gear separated from the aircraft, causing the airplane to nose over.
Pilot Background
The pilot held a student pilot certificate, which he had held since 1983. He stated that he had not completed his private pilot license due to lack of time. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated approximately 1,000 flight hours.
Circumstances
The pilot indicated that he would not have attempted the landing had he sufficient fuel to return to his intended destination airport. He cited a lack of fuel as the reason for proceeding with the landing under the challenging conditions.
Investigation
FAA inspectors interviewed the pilot following the accident. The pilot's statements provided the basis for the reported details. No other contributing factors were identified in the pilot's account.