NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during short final approach in gusting wind conditions, the airplane drifted left. He further reported that the airplane landed to the left of the runway in soft dirt and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift struts.

The pilot reported that about 10 minutes prior to the accident the wind was reported as light and variable at the airport. The airplane was landing on runway 7R.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain runway alignment during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an off-runway landing in soft dirt and a nose-over.