Event Description
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that as the aircraft approached the airport, the wind was variable from 290 to 050 degrees and gusting to 20 knots. While on a two-mile final approach, the tower controller provided a wind report of 290 degrees at 7 knots. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear with no notable crosswind.
Loss of Control
As the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to correct, but the airplane then veered hard to the left. The pilot attempted to apply right rudder and brake, but these actions did not prevent the airplane from exiting the left side of the runway onto the dirt. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Examination
The upper wing and rudder were substantially damaged. A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.