Accident Details
The private pilot was operating a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he had arrived at an abandoned gravel airstrip and was performing a low pass approximately 12 to 15 feet above the ground to assess wind and runway conditions for a potential landing. While making the pass, he decided that the crosswind conditions were unsuitable for landing.
As he applied power to terminate the low pass, the pilot reported that a gust of wind from the right rolled the airplane to the left, causing the left wing to strike the ground. Despite applying full rudder, aileron, and power inputs, he was unable to overcome the rolling motion. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
Pilot Report
The pilot noted that he had not realized how the topography surrounding the airstrip influenced the crosswind, nor how rapidly the weather conditions were changing at the time of the maneuver.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage of the airplane.