Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstruction while landing at an off-airport site, resulting in a loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport site. During the landing, the right wing contacted brush adjacent to the landing area, and the airplane ground-looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the left horizontal stabilizer, and the fuselage. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the accident could have been prevented had he landed farther down the landing area to avoid any brush.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport landing site. During the landing, the right wing contacted brush adjacent to the landing area, and the airplane ground looped. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings, the left horizontal stabilizer, and the fuselage. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the accident could have been prevented had he landed farther down the landing area to avoid any brush.