Landing and Go-Around
The pilot reported that he was landing with a left quartering headwind. The touchdown was normal, but as he lowered the tail wheel, the aircraft weathervaned to the left into the wind. He applied full right pedal and initiated a go-around. The aircraft left the ground, turned downwind, and lost lift.
Impact with Drainage Ditch
The airplane impacted the drainage ditch area parallel to the runway. The airport features drainage ditches and levees spanning the entire length on both sides of the runway. The ditches are approximately 6 to 8 feet deep and 12 feet wide, located about 90 feet from the runway centerline. The levees are approximately 20 feet beyond the ditches.
Relevant Design Standards
FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5300-13, regarding runway and taxiway design, indicates the Object Free Area for the accident airport to be 200 feet on either side of the runway centerline. The AC requires the Obstacle Free Zone to be 125 feet on each side of the runway centerline, and states that obstacles within that zone cannot be higher than 3 inches above grade; the sides of the ditches and levee rise about 3 feet above grade.