Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to identify the appropriate touchdown point, which resulted in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush-covered, airstrip. Before beginning the approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. However, after landing, the right main tire dropped into a hole, the tailwheel impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts, and wings. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush covered, airstrip. Before beginning his approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. Upon landing the right main tire dropped into a hidden hole, and the tailwheel simultaneously impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed-over. During the nose over, the rudder, lift struts, and wings sustained substantial damage. Upon exiting the airplane the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point, and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.