Accident Overview
A private pilot conducting a personal cross-country flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 experienced a landing accident at an off-airport site. The pilot reported making several low passes over the intended landing area before touching down. He stated that the area appeared sufficient for a safe landing, but during the landing roll, the airplane began to approach the end of the landing zone. The pilot applied the brakes and deliberately steered toward a brushy area in an attempt to stop.
Collision with Concealed Hazard
The brush concealed a creek with a 3-foot bank. The airplane collided with the bank and nosed over. The pilot noted that an examination of the landing area after the accident revealed the surface consisted of wet glacial silt, which was much slicker than he had anticipated. He stated that the aircraft had no known mechanical problems prior to the accident.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, the lift strut, and the strut attachment points.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided the account of the flight and the accident sequence. No other occupants were mentioned, and no injuries were reported.