Accident Details
The pilot of a small airplane reported that the accident occurred while taxiing on an unimproved airstrip during a personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the airplane's tailwheel became stuck in a rut during the taxi. In an attempt to free the tailwheel, the pilot added power. This action caused the empennage to spin around and impact a solid object.
Damage Assessment
As a result of the impact, the empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot confirmed that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident, indicating that the event was not caused by a pre-existing mechanical issue.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided the account of the incident, noting that the sequence of events began with the tailwheel becoming lodged in a rut on the unimproved surface. The subsequent application of power led to the uncontrolled rotation of the empennage and the collision with a solid object.