Accident Details
A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over and came to rest on a gravel runway after landing. The accident occurred during an approach when the pilot applied carburetor heat, set airspeed to 70 knots, and set flaps to one notch less than full. The pilot described the flare and touchdown as "very smooth."
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that when the tailwheel contacted the ground, the right wing rose and the left wing was dragged across the ground. The left wing strut failed, causing the airplane to nose over. The pilot noted that after the accident, the windsock indicated a direct crosswind from the right, varying between three-quarters and full extension.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident photographs revealed that the left wing sustained damage to its top side. The bottom side of the left wing, the wing tip, and the wing strut showed no indication of runway contact. Substantial damage was observed to the horizontal stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.