Incident Overview
A pilot, who also held an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, reported that an annual inspection had just been completed on the airplane, which included an engine change. The pilot checked the automated terminal information service weather, which reported winds from 280 degrees at 20 knots. He then received a clearance to taxi to runway 28, intending to conduct an engine run-up and a possible test flight.
Sequence of Events
While taxiing, the pilot was approaching the end of runway 15R when he applied the brakes. As the airplane came to a stop, a gust of wind began to raise the tail, and the airplane nosed over.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported 1,859 hours of total flight experience, which included 800 hours in the same make and model of the accident airplane.
Weather Conditions
Winds reported at the airport about half an hour prior to the accident were from 280 degrees at 26 knots, with 37-knot gusts. Winds reported about half an hour after the accident were from 280 degrees at 24 knots, with 33-knot gusts.