Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was landing at an off-airport site located adjacent to a small stream. According to the pilot's report, the initial approach was made from an upstream direction. During touchdown, the airplane landed hard, bounced, and the pilot aborted the landing.
On the subsequent landing attempt, the pilot approached from a downstream direction. During the landing roll, the pilot discovered that the airplane's tailwheel was missing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Pilot Observations
The pilot noted in his written report to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that after landing, he observed a slight breeze from an upstream direction. The pilot also reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Pilot Recommendations
In the recommendation section of his report, the pilot stated that the accident might have been prevented if he had taken more time to verify runway and wind conditions before landing, and if he had operated the airplane at a lower gross weight.
No other details were provided in the source. The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, time of day, or weather characterization beyond the breeze noted by the pilot.
Conclusion
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage of the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot's report did not identify any mechanical failures prior to the accident.