Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane during the first test flight, the airplane bounced several times and he advanced the throttle. The airplane subsequently veered left off the runway and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. During a follow-up examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector, no anomalies were found.