Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s unstable approach to land, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue an approach in sun glare conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he was on an approach to land on a ridge with the sun partially blocking his vision. The pilot continued the approach and the airplane touched down on a slope, away from his intended landing point, and the left wingtip impacted the ground. The pilot added power, but the airplane continued down the slope, nosed over, and came to rest inverted in a ravine. Both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.