Incident Overview
A pilot reported flying an airplane over a large open desert playa when he decided to land. After performing a low pass to assess the surface, he determined it appeared flat and dry. However, upon touchdown, the landing gear dug into soft tufa approximately 8 inches deep.
Sequence of Events
The airplane subsequently cartwheeled, resulting in the separation of the left wing and bending and wrinkling of the left horizontal stabilizer. The left side of the fuselage, the engine mount, and the firewall were also bent and wrinkled.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained structural damage to multiple components. The left wing was completely separated, while the left horizontal stabilizer, left fuselage side, engine mount, and firewall exhibited bending and wrinkling.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the surface of the playa appeared flat and dry from his low-altitude inspection, leading him to believe a safe landing was possible. No further details regarding the pilot's actions or the aircraft's configuration were provided.