Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to practice takeoff and landings on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a nose-over on takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo commercial pilot reported that he was practicing remote beach takeoffs and landings in his personal airplane. On the accident takeoff, he said that the airplane bounced when it encountered a rocky area and when it touched down again in soft sand, it nosed over. The airplane received substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo commercial pilot reported that he was practicing remote beach takeoffs and landings in his personal airplane under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. On the accident takeoff, he said the airplane bounced when it encountered a rocky area, and when it touched down again in soft sand, it nosed over. The airplane received substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.