Accident Sequence
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was landing on a compacted snow-covered private airstrip. The pilot planned to touch down 2 feet past the beginning of the strip. To perform a short-field landing, the pilot chose to ride the tires just over the terrain until touchdown.
After the front main landing gear touched down, a gust of wind picked up the right-side wing. At the same time, the left tire sank into the snow. The airplane decelerated and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot's Account and Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated the wind at the accident location around the time of the incident was from 230° at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The landing was conducted to the southwest, on a heading of 210°.
Damage
The left wing of the airplane was substantially damaged.