Incident Overview
A private pilot was landing a nose wheel-equipped airplane on a gravel-covered, off-airport site that was surrounded by brush. According to the pilot, during the landing approach, he inadvertently allowed the airplane to touch down to the right of the intended landing area. Recognizing the deviation, the pilot applied full engine power to abort the landing.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane began to climb following the application of full power, it abruptly pitched down. The nose wheel then struck the ground, causing the nose wheel to collapse. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over on the gravel-covered site.
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident inspection revealed a tree branch lodged in the accident airplane's right elevator. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.