Incident Overview
A pilot reported an incident that occurred during the takeoff ground roll on a sod-covered airstrip. The event resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft after a series of maneuvers and a landing at another airport.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during the initial takeoff ground roll, the left main wheel struck an object in the sod, possibly a badger hole. The pilot stated that he began to lose directional control and therefore pulled the airplane into the air. The airplane remained airborne for a few seconds before touching down hard on the left main wheel again.
The pilot was able to regain flight and circled the airstrip. A person on the ground, who was in radio contact with the pilot, reported that the left main landing gear was collapsed. At that time, no other damage was apparent.
The pilot decided to fly to another airport with a paved runway. Upon arrival, the pilot set up for a landing in what he described as a "full stall 2-point landing on the right side of the runway."
Landing and Damage
When the left side of the aircraft came down on the collapsed gear, the aircraft slid off the left side of the runway and turned approximately 45 degrees to the left before coming to a stop. During the landing roll, the airplane sustained a propeller strike. Additionally, the left side horizontal stabilizer contacted the surface, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.