Accident Overview
After completing a cross-country flight, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for landing on runway 31. The airport's Unicom frequency advised that winds were unpredictable, and the pilot observed that the windsock indicated little if any wind. The runway was 5,003 feet long and 100 feet wide, constructed of asphalt.
Sequence of Events
Following the flare for landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane weathervaned to the right. The pilot then decided to abort the landing. During the abort, the airplane departed the right side of the runway and impacted a berm. The accident resulted in serious injury to the pilot and substantial damage to the airplane.
Investigation Findings
Winds recorded at an airport 16 nautical miles northeast of the accident site were aligned with the runway heading at 9 knots, gusting to 14 knots. Another airport located 31 nautical miles northwest recorded winds at 330 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 19 knots. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The inspection revealed skid marks from both tires on the runway surface. The airplane sustained damage to the engine firewall, fuselage, and wings.