Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage after departing the left side of the runway during the landing roll at the conclusion of a cross-country flight. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he applied left brake during the landing sequence. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway surface and traveled down an adjacent embankment. The right wing and right elevator were substantially damaged in the event.
Pilot Statement
The pilot informed the FAA inspector that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. He attributed the deviation solely to his application of the left brake during the landing roll.
Investigation
The FAA investigated the incident and documented the pilot's account. No further contributing factors were identified in the pilot's statement, as he explicitly noted the absence of any pre-existing mechanical issues. The investigation did not reveal any additional details regarding weather conditions, time of day, or specific runway characteristics.