Accident Summary
A pilot reported that while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a remote unimproved airstrip, the aircraft nosed over after touchdown. The pilot had conducted a low pass prior to landing and determined that the dirt airstrip was clear of debris, with what appeared to be grass on either side of the landing surface.
Pilot's Account
During the final approach, the airplane drifted approximately 10 to 15 feet to the left of the pilot's intended touchdown point, aligning with the side of the airstrip. Believing the vegetation along the sides of the runway to be grass, the pilot elected not to execute a go-around and proceeded with the landing. As the airplane touched down, the pilot realized the vegetation was not grass but alder brush, and the airplane immediately nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, vertical stabilizer, and left lift strut. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Recommendations
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had aborted the landing.