What happened
On April 5, 2015, a Piper PA 22-135, registration N3768A, was participating in stop-and-go landing practice at a private dirt airstrip near Drexel, Missouri. Following the third landing, the pilot was taxiing toward the east to prepare for takeoff when the aircraft encountered several wind gusts. These gusts caused the airplane to nose over.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as VMC with a visibility of 10 statute miles. Winds in the area were recorded as being from the south at 14 knots, with gusts reaching 23 knots. The pilot reported no injuries following the event.
The investigation
The investigation determined that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its fuselage, wings, and lift struts. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present in the aircraft prior to the accident that would have prevented normal operation.