Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over and came to rest inverted while landing on an unpaved airstrip.
Sequence of Events
Upon arriving at the airstrip, the pilot performed a mid-field flyover to check the wind socks, which indicated calm winds. He then conducted a low pass along the runway to confirm its suitability for landing. Satisfied with conditions, he entered a normal traffic pattern. During touchdown in a 3-point attitude, the airplane rebounded into the air. The pilot applied forward stick to stop the bounce, based on previous experience, and the airplane continued down the runway on the main gear. According to the pilot, the main wheels encountered a dip, causing a nose-down pitching motion that he was unable to arrest. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the runway surface revealed no obvious holes or impediments. However, one wind sock was noted to be positioned so close to significantly taller trees that it would not have provided valid wind speed or direction information. Review of meteorological information indicated light winds prevailed in the region.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.