Accident Details
On June 18, 2009, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Simmons Vans RV-8A veered off the runway after landing on runway 13 at Cameron Airpark (O61), Cameron Park, California. The owner/pilot operated the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a local area flight. The airplane sustained structural damage; the pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Narrative
In a written statement, the pilot reported that during pattern work, the winds were variable and gusty. After touching down on the main landing gear and completing the rollout, the airplane encountered a "very" strong downward side gust coming from the midfield on the canyon side of the airport. The gust pushed the airplane off the paved portion of the runway edge, causing the nose wheel to sink into the dirt. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting station, located about 16 nautical miles west of the accident airport, recorded the following conditions: visibility 10 miles; scattered clouds at 15,000 feet above ground level; winds from 230 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 15 knots; temperature 28 degrees Celsius, dew point 9 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 29.83 inches of mercury.