What happened
Following a three-hour flight, the pilot landed the aircraft to refuel. After completing the refueling process, the pilot began back-taxiing down runway 35 in preparation for takeoff. During this taxi phase, the pilot reported that winds were between 20 and 25 knots. A sudden gust of wind struck the aircraft, causing it to nose over within 10 to 15 seconds, leaving the plane in an upside-down position.
The incident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot noted that he had purchased the aircraft only one day prior to the accident. At the time of the event, weather conditions were reported as winds from 020 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 18 knots.
Findings
- The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction occurred prior to the nose-over.
- The pilot held a current Third Class Medical Certificate.
- The pilot's last biennial flight review had been completed on October 3, 1986.