Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the pilot was landing on the airstrip, the right wing went up, the airplane drifted left, and the left main landing gear contacted a rock and separated. The airplane spun around and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot said he had landed at this dirt strip on several previous occasions.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he flew into the canyon where the airstrip is located, and checked the runway. As he landed, the right wing went up, and the airplane drifted left. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear contacted a rock, and separated. The airplane spun around, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot said he had landed at this dirt strip along the Deschutes River on several previous occasions.