What happened
During a flight conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 91 for other work use, a commercial pilot was attempting to land at an off-airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. While performing a southeasterly approach to the landing site, the pilot encountered strong, gusty winds originating from 090 degrees at 25 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 40 miles per hour.
Due to these weather conditions, the pilot elected to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, a strong gust of wind caused the aircraft to roll abruptly to the left, resulting in the left wing striking the ground. The impact caused the airplane to cartwheel before coming to rest near the approach end of the landing site. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the pilot's report regarding the aircraft's condition prior to the accident. There were no preaccident mechanical anomalies reported with the airplane. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.