Accident Overview
A general aviation airplane experienced a runway excursion and overturned after striking a boulder during a go-around. The accident occurred when the pilot attempted a go-around following a bounced landing. The airplane drifted off the runway, collided with a boulder, which sheared off the nose wheel and strut. The airplane then slid on its nose for a short distance before the nose dug in and the airplane nosed over onto its back.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and his passengers were returning to their home airport after flying out for breakfast. As the airplane entered the traffic pattern, the pilot observed men and equipment on the runway. He contacted UNICOM to request that the runway be cleared. The men vacated the runway but parked the equipment in close proximity to the pavement edge, approximately 1,000 feet down from the approach end of the runway. The pilot flew a slightly high approach in order to avoid landing prior to the men and equipment. After bouncing the landing, the pilot attempted a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane drifted off the runway and struck a boulder.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane or its systems prior to the accident.