Pilot Report
According to the pilot's statement, a thorough preflight inspection and passenger briefing were completed before engine start. The pilot noted an 80° left crosswind at 5 knots, gusting to 15 knots at the departure airport. After an engine run-up and flight control check, the pilot departed for a 20-minute local flight.
Return and Approach
Upon returning to the departure airport, the pilot did not monitor the weather or request a wind check due to traffic congestion and the airplane being equipped with only a single radio. The pilot executed a "high break" at traffic pattern altitude. On final approach with flaps fully extended, the pilot maintained a left wing low attitude to compensate for the left crosswind.
Accident Sequence
A wheel landing was performed. As the tailwheel was lowering, the left wing raised "dramatically," causing the right wingtip to contact the runway. The pilot added power to abort the landing, but because the right wing was contacting the runway, the airplane pivoted to the right. The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the runway and nosed over.
Mechanical Status
The pilot indicated there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The reported wind conditions about 5 minutes before the accident included a crosswind variable between 80° and 170° left of the selected runway heading, at a velocity of 8 knots, with gusts to 16 knots.