Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on an unsuitable surface, which resulted in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had made 3 landings at unimproved landing sites on the morning prior to the accident with no issues. Subsequently, while landing on a gravel beach and after the main landing gear touched down with the tail wheel still elevated above the terrain, both main landing gear sank into a soft spot in the gravel; the airplane stopped and nosed over. The substantial damage to the airplane included the engine mount, front wing struts, the top of the rudder, and wing ribs being bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot had made 3 landings at unimproved landing sites on the morning prior to the accident with no issues. Subsequently, while landing on a gravel beach and after the main landing gear touched down with the tail wheel still elevated above the terrain, both main landing gear sank into a soft spot in the gravel; the airplane stopped and nosed over. The substantial damage to the airplane included the engine mount, front wing struts, the top of the rudder, and wing ribs being bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.