Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an off airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing on an off-airport mountain ridge in a single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane for the purpose of hunting. After touchdown and while rolling out, the airplane bounced and became airborne again. The pilot applied full engine throttle to abort the landing, but once clear of the ridge the airplane began to settle. Moments later the left wheel and left wingtip came in contact with sloping terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot, the sole occupant, was able to exit unassisted. Both of the airplane’s wings sustained structural damage during the mishap. The pilot later reported that he had not experienced a malfunction or failure with the airplane’s flight controls or engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was landing on an off-airport mountain ridge in a single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane for the purpose of hunting. After touchdown and while rolling out, the airplane bounced and became airborne again. The pilot applied full engine throttle to abort the landing, but once clear of the ridge the airplane began to settle. Moments later the left wheel and left wingtip came in contact with sloping terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot, the sole occupant, was able to exit unassisted. Both of the airplane’s wings sustained structural damage during the mishap. The pilot later reported that he had not experienced a malfunction or failure with the airplane’s flight controls or engine.