Incident Details
A commercial pilot was practicing landings at a local airport. He then departed the airport and flew a few miles away to attempt an off-airport landing on a ridge. According to the pilot, during the landing the airplane veered to the left, and the propeller and left wing struck the ground.
Pilot Reports
In an initial interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that the left tire went flat in the air prior to the landing. In a subsequent written statement, he indicated that he should have done more practice at the airport before attempting an off-airport landing. The pilot stated that there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
Damage Assessment
The left wing received substantial damage during the accident.