Accident Details
During the landing of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot performed a wheel landing and maintained directional control aligned with the runway centerline. After reducing power to idle, the tail began losing lift, causing the airplane to turn right as the tail lowered. The pilot applied left rudder but found it ineffective, then applied left brake to correct the right turn. Despite these inputs, he was unable to realign the airplane with the runway centerline. He determined that an aborted landing was not feasible due to the airplane's heading and remaining runway length.
Sequence of Events
The pilot continued applying left brake until the tail began to lift, attempting to keep the airplane aligned to exit the runway at taxiway Delta. As the airplane entered the taxiway, the left main landing gear leg failed under side load. Subsequently, the left wing and fuselage contacted the runway surface. The airplane came to rest pointing approximately 45 degrees from the runway heading.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left side of the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.