Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, resulting in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane began to veer right, and he attempted to correct with left rudder control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface, traveled through a ditch, and came to rest on the right side of the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage lugs. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.