Incident Details
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a "big gust of wind" and veered left. The airplane subsequently exited the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane had landed on runway 11. The calculated crosswind component was about 14 knots. The manufacturer's pilot's operating handbook notes that "the maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability as well as aircraft limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can be handled with safety."