Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage after nosing over during landing at a mountain airport situated in a valley. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down at a higher than normal airspeed, bounced once, and nosed over after brake application.
Sequence of Events
The pilot overflew the airport and observed the windsock, which indicated the wind was out of the north. He then entered a left downwind for runway 19, which has an uphill slope. While on downwind, the airport became obscured by terrain, and then became visible again at the end of the base leg. When the pilot turned final, he saw that he was high, reduced engine power to idle, and increased the flap setting to 40 degrees. After touchdown, the airplane bounced once. The pilot applied brakes and the airplane nosed over.
Pilot Report
The pilot estimated that there were 150 yards of runway remaining from where the airplane came to rest. The usable runway length is 3,550 feet. The pilot reported that he estimated he landed with a 10 to 15 knot tailwind. He stated that he should have gone around, but believed he could stop on the remaining runway due to the uphill slope. The pilot also reported that he should have flown a stabilized approach and immediately gone around when he saw he was too high on final to safely land. He reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, right wing strut, rudder, and vertical stabilizer.
Additional Information
The Airport Facilities Directory (AFD) recommends landing to the south and taking off to the north when wind allows.