Accident Overview
During a landing touchdown in crosswind conditions, a tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a strong wind gust that lifted the right wing. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport indicated that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 280 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 22.