Accident Overview
The owner-pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane departed from his home airport for a personal local flight. After approximately 45 minutes of airwork, he returned to the airport to conduct practice landings and takeoffs. The first three landings were uneventful.
Weather and Runway Selection
According to the pilot, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) reported wind from 220 degrees at 10 knots. Based on this information, the pilot selected runway 16 for the fourth landing.
Loss of Control
During the landing rollout, the pilot reported losing directional control due to a wind disturbance. The airplane subsequently exited the east side of the runway, struck a ditch, and upended onto its nose. The right outboard wing sustained substantial damage.
Wind Data Analysis
Initial review of recorded hourly wind data suggested that winds were variable. Further analysis of high-resolution wind data revealed that both wind speed and direction varied significantly in the minutes surrounding the accident time.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.