Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a post during a go-around following a landing on unsuitable terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Due to weather ahead, the pilot decided to land on a gravel strip to wait out the weather. During the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane became airborne after passing over a low spot on the gravel; the pilot increased the engine power to full to perform a go-around, but the airplane's right wing struck a 10 ft-tall post, which he had not seen, and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
Due to weather ahead, the pilot decided to land on a gravel strip to wait out the weather. During the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane "became airborne" after passing over a low spot on a gravel he increased the engine power to full to perform a go-around. But, the airplane's right wing struck a 10 ft. high post, which he had not seen, and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.