What happened
Following several touch-and-go landings, the pilot departed the airport to perform aerial proficiency maneuvers. Upon returning to the airfield, the pilot executed a wheel landing. While the initial touchdown and the beginning of the landing roll proceeded without incident, the aircraft began pulling to the left as the tail was being lowered.
In an attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway, the pilot applied right rudder and additional braking on the right wheel. This resulted in an overcorrection that redirected the aircraft toward the right side of the runway. As the pilot continued efforts to maintain alignment, the aircraft departed the right side of the landing surface. Upon the right main gear leaving the runway, it encountered soft terrain, causing the aircraft to spin rapidly to the right. During this excursion, the left wing and horizontal stabilizer made contact with the ground. The pilot was not injured.
Findings
- The pilot's attempt to correct the leftward pull resulted in an overcorrection toward the right side of the runway.
- The aircraft encountered soft terrain after departing the runway surface.
- The pilot noted the possibility of a partially deflated or flat tire on the left main landing gear.