Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was conducting a landing on a grass runway. During the landing roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left of the runway centerline. The aircraft then exited the runway surface, and the right wing impacted a tree. Following the impact, the airplane spun clockwise 180° before coming to rest.
Aircraft Damage
The fuselage sustained substantial damage as a result of the accident sequence. No other damage to the airplane was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. The pilot reported that the wind conditions at the time were from 360° at 15 to 20 knots, with gusts exceeding 20 knots. The landing was being conducted on runway 31.