Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control after striking an unidentified object during landing on an unimproved runway, and his subsequent use of excessive braking that resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while conducting a pleasure flight he elected to land on an unimproved dirt airstrip. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear struck an unidentified object/hole which pulled the airplane to the right off the landing surface and toward a fence line. The pilot applied excessive braking, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing strut and the top of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.