Accident Details
The accident occurred when the airplane impacted a snow bank and nosed over after the pilot lost control during the landing roll. According to the pilot, he had obtained numerous weather updates prior to departure and during the flight, all of which reported gusty wind conditions. The final wind report before landing on runway 27 indicated wind from 210 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 45 knots.
During the rollout at 30 knots, a gust of wind lifted the left wing, blowing the airplane to the right into a snow bank. The pilot reported that after the initial upset, he placed the control yoke in the full aft position (up elevator) while the airplane was encountering a tailwind condition.
Investigation Findings
The airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook instructs pilots to place the elevator in a down position when encountering a tailwind condition. A review of the Airport/Facility Directory, Southwest U.S., revealed a caution to pilots regarding gusty wind conditions and wind shear.