Accident Overview
A certificated private pilot, operating a hunting and guide business, was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane with tundra tires on a gravel bar adjacent to a remote river. The landing was performed toward the west. During the landing approach, the pilot faced direct sunlight in his eyes, which obscured an object on the landing surface. The left main landing gear subsequently struck an unseen log, causing the airplane to nose over.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the landing gear, the right wing and its lift struts, and the vertical stabilizer.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the sun's position relative to the accident site was calculated to be at a true azimuth of 269.6 degrees (i.e., nearly directly west) and an elevation of 5.2 degrees above the horizon.