Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, an attempted go-around, and a subsequent nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While landing off airport on an unimproved landing site, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed hard and bounced. The pilot applied full power to go around, but the airplane bounced again before impacting trees and terrain. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest inverted on a river bank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer. 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
While landing off airport, on an unimproved landing site, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed hard and bounced. The pilot applied full power to go-around, but the airplane bounced again before impacting trees and terrain. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest inverted on a river bank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.