Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was practicing touch and go landings in the tail wheel equipped amateur-built airplane. During the landing, the airplane became "squirrely" and the pilot increased throttle in an effort to straighten the track on the runway. The airplane became airborne, however, did not have sufficient power to continue the takeoff climb. The airplane subsequently traveled off the runway and nosed over in a field. The underside of the fuselage and the rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was practicing touch and go landings in the tail wheel equipped amateur-built airplane. During the landing, the airplane became "squirrely" and the pilot increased throttle in an effort to straighten the track on the runway. The airplane became airborne, however, did not have sufficient power to continue the takeoff climb. The airplane subsequently traveled off the runway and nosed over in a field. The underside of the fuselage and the rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.