Flight Details
The pilot was on a cross-country flight. Approximately 20 minutes after departure, he observed several lightning strikes ahead of his flight path.
Storm Encounter and Diversion
In response to the lightning, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn to return to the departure point. After about five minutes, he observed a storm developing in his flight path. He then decided to fly south toward the closest airport.
Landing and Accident
Upon reaching the airport, the pilot assessed the winds as light and variable out of the west. He initiated a final approach to runway 23. Just before touchdown, the wind began to buffet the aircraft. After touchdown, the pilot used full aileron deflection to keep the right wing down. The airplane drifted off the runway and into the grass. During this event, the pilot began applying "a little power" to gain more rudder control. At that moment, "a large gust of wind hit the aircraft causing the right wing to [go] completely over, striking the surface." Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar, both wing struts, and the rudder. A weather observation taken 16 minutes after the accident reported wind from 260 degrees at 16 knots with gusts to 26 knots.