Accident Details
A tailwheel-equipped airplane was involved in an accident during the landing roll on runway 30. The aircraft was traveling at 70 knots when it encountered a powerful gust of wind. According to the pilot, the gust caused the tail to lift off the runway, and the right wing subsequently impacted the grass safety area located to the right of the concrete runway. After the right wing struck the ground, the airplane was "catapulted" into the air approximately 10 feet before coming to rest inverted about 30 feet to the right of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation. The aircraft appeared to be functioning properly before the encounter with the gust.
Wind Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind at the aerodrome was reported as 210 degrees true at 9 knots. In the hours preceding the accident, the aerodrome had reported wind from the south-west with gusts up to 19 knots. These conditions likely contributed to the gust encountered during the landing.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The exact extent of the damage was not further specified in the initial report.