Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said he was attempting to make a 3-pt. landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, when he flared too low, and the airplane bounced. Upon touchdown from the bounce, the airplane entered an unrecoverable yaw moment due to insufficient rudder authority, and the airplane spun 270° off the runway. As the airplane exited the runway, the lower right wing struck the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.