Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent impact with vegetation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and exited the runway. Upon exiting the runway, the right wing contacted soybean plants, the airplane ground looped and the left wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.