Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a ditch, which resulted in impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing, and during taxi to the end of the runway to turn around to park, he did not see a deep steep ditch at the end of the runway. The airplane traveled into the ditch as the pilot applied full right rudder and full right brake in an attempt to turn, however, the airplane continued to slide into the ditch where the left-wing impact terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.