Accident Details
A pilot was conducting a local flight when he spotted a remote airstrip and decided to land. From the air, the landing area appeared longer and wider than it actually was. As the pilot neared touchdown, he realized the strip was smaller and rougher than expected. The airplane touched down, struck a bump, and bounced into brush on the right side of the landing strip.
The impact caused substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that the landing area looked adequate from altitude but proved deceptive during approach. The unexpected roughness and reduced dimensions led to the loss of directional control after the bounce, resulting in the aircraft departing the landing surface.
Recommendations
In the recommendation section of the accident reporting form, the pilot noted that he should have flown over the landing strip multiple times before attempting to land. He also advised that consulting with a local pilot about the landing conditions at the airstrip would have been prudent.