Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a tidal beach. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear contacted soft sand, which pulled the nose of the airplane to the right. The airplane continued to the right and hit a bluff, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a tidal beach. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear contacted soft sand, which pulled the nose of the airplane to the right. The airplane continued to the right, and hit a bluff, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.