Event Description
During the landing roll, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the aircraft began to "fishtail" and drift toward the side of the runway. In an attempt to correct the oscillation, the pilot applied the brakes, but was "slightly late" in applying the correction. As a result, the airplane departed the side of the runway.
Aircraft Damage
After leaving the runway, the airplane became partially buried in soft ground. The right main landing gear subsequently collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage at the right main landing gear attach point as well as the engine firewall. The extent of damage was limited to these areas.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The aircraft had been functioning properly prior to the incident. No other issues were identified by the pilot.