Incident Overview
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing, the airplane encountered a "strong" wind gust. The airplane touched down on the left side of the runway centerline. When the tailwheel touched down, the pilot felt as though the airplane was being pushed further to the left side of the runway. He recalled that the right wing lifted, and the airplane veered to the left. He applied right rudder and leveled the wings, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a drainage culvert.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The METAR for the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 25.