Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a landing at a non-towered airport experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and nosing over. The accident pilot reported that he had canceled his instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan and contacted the airport's UNICOM frequency for traffic and wind information. The recorded winds were 100 degrees at 8 knots.
Sequence of Events
While monitoring the UNICOM frequency, the accident pilot overheard a light-sport pilot announcing that he was conducting touch-and-go landings on runway 1. The accident pilot questioned the selection of runway 1, and the light-sport pilot replied, "It's a direct crosswind, it's not that bad." Shortly after, another pilot reported entering the traffic pattern for landing on runway 1. The accident pilot then entered the traffic pattern for the same runway and completed his before-landing checks.
The airplane touched down on the runway and was in the landing roll when the pilot stated that a gust of wind from the right rear lifted the tail of the airplane, causing it to veer to the left. According to the airport's surface weather observation system, no wind gusts were reported at the time of the accident. The airport manager also stated that there were no wind gusts present at the time.
A witness reported observing the airplane at about 6 to 7 feet off the runway, with its wings rocking from right to left, and the crosswind pushing the airplane across the runway to the left. The accident pilot applied right rudder and left aileron, but these inputs had no effect. The airplane continued left of the runway centerline, exited the left side of the runway into the grass, and nosed over inverted.
Aircraft Damage and Mechanical Status
The airplane sustained structural damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no preexisting mechanical problems with the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, or accessories.