Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over when the right wheel encountered mud.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while practicing stop-and-go landings, the airplane took off, and he then made a standard traffic pattern to land. The airplane touched down on the numbers with both main wheels. When the tailwheel touched down, the pilot felt a wind gust from the east, which tipped the left wing down. He attempted to correct with right aileron, but when the wings became level, the right wheel exited the runway surface and sank into mud. The airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice stop-and-go landings. The airplane took off and made a standard traffic pattern to land. The airplane touched down on the numbers with both main wheels. When the tailwheel touched down, the pilot felt a gust of wind from the east which tipped the left wing down. He attempted to correct with right aileron, but when the wings became level the right wheel exited the runway surface and sunk into the mud. The airplane nosed over substantially damaging the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.