Incident Overview
During a landing on a turf runway, a tailwheel-equipped airplane began to drift left after touchdown. The pilot applied right rudder pedal input but found it insufficient to correct the drift. In an attempt to use differential braking, he adjusted his foot on the right rudder pedal but discovered that his shoe was trapped between the pedal and a sheet metal fairing covering the rudder pedal bell cranks on the floorboard. This obstruction prevented him from applying the necessary braking force.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane continued its leftward movement, it departed the runway surface and executed a ground loop to the left. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing subsequently struck the ground. The ensuing impact caused substantial damage to the right-wing spar and right aileron.
Pilot's Report
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The incident appears to stem from the unexpected interference between his footwear and the aircraft's rudder pedal assembly.