Accident Details
During a landing on runway 04 at a private airport, a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control and veered off the paved surface. The runway, which measured 1,200 feet in length and was constructed of asphalt, featured an uphill slope. The pilot occupying the right seat, who was handling the landing, reported that he was landing with a slight tailwind.
The right-seat pilot noted that his position was not equipped with brake pedals and that he did not hold a tailwheel endorsement. He relied on the pilot in the left seat to apply the brakes after touchdown. According to his account, as the left-seat pilot applied the brakes during the landing roll, the airplane turned sharply to the right and exited the runway.
Impact and Damage
After departing the runway, the right main landing gear wheel struck a log. Subsequently, the right wing contacted several small trees, and the airplane momentarily pitched nose-down. The impact resulted in structural damage at several points: the right main landing gear attach point, the propeller, the aft fuselage near the tailwheel attach point, and the left main landing gear strut.
Weather Conditions
The nearest official weather observation station, situated 3 nautical miles southwest of the accident location, reported the wind as 240 degrees true at 7 knots at the time of the incident.