Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilots failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing in gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing at a remote, off airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He stated that he made two low passes over the airstrip and was making a full stop landing on the third pass. During the landing he stated the airplane bounced, and he attempted to abort the landing. During the aborted landing a gust of wind picked up the left wing and the right wing contacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was landing at a remote, off airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He stated that he made two low passes over the airstrip and was making a full stop landing on the third pass. During the landing he stated the airplane bounced, and he attempted to abort the landing. During the aborted landing a gust of wind picked up the left wing and the right wing contacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.