Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he made a normal approach, but on short final a gust of wind forced the airplane down to the ground. The airplane subsequently went into soft sand and nosed over.
Passenger Report
The passenger reported that prior to reaching the airport for landing, he experienced some light turbulence. As the airplane was nearing touchdown, he felt turbulence again and heard the pilot say 'oh no.' The passenger indicated that it felt as if the airplane was pushed straight down and that the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway.
Witness Report
A ground witness located about 1/4 mile north of the runway watched the airplane come in to land. As the airplane approached the runway, the witness saw the tail move sideways and then straighten out; he thought that the wind must have caught it. As the airplane continued on the approach, it seemed normal; however, as it got close to the runway, the airplane appeared to drop suddenly as if it was being forced down by a gust of wind.