Accident Details
The pilot reported a normal crosswind landing approach, noting that the wind sock indicated the wind was about 20 degrees left of runway centerline. After touching down, the airplane immediately nosed to the right, prompting a correction. As the airplane assumed a three-point attitude, it veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, stating he did so 'without letting the wind under the left wing,' but the correction had no effect. The airplane continued left, departed the runway, and nosed over.
Official weather observations recorded the wind as 320 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 14 knots.
Post-Accident Findings
Inspection after the accident revealed that the bolt securing the tail wheel leaf spring had sheared. The tail wheel was driven up against the rudder. A search of the area failed to locate either the nut or the bolt end. The pilot described the break as an 'extrusion and clean downward shear.' However, an FAA inspector who examined the airplane stated that the damage was consistent with that of a hard landing. No other causal factors were identified in the source.