Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate evaluation of his landing area, which resulted in contact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing a tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane at a private, remote grass airstrip. He stated that he made a low pass over the runway, and the area looked acceptable to land on. He then made a normal landing, but during the landing roll, the left wing impacted brush on the side of the airstrip. The airplane turned 90 degrees to the left, and skidded along the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, before coming to a stop. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was landing a tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane at a private, remote grass airstrip. He stated that he made a low pass over the runway, and the area looked acceptable to land on. He then made a normal landing, but during the landing roll, the left wing impacted brush on the side of the airstrip. The airplane turned 90 degrees to the left, and skidded along the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, before coming to a stop. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.