Tailwheel Airplane Strikes Trees After Landing Overcorrection

Sequence of Events

The accident occurred during the landing phase of a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot was performing a three-point landing when the airplane began to drift to the left. He applied right rudder and brake to correct, but reported that he "obviously overcorrected," causing the airplane to veer to the right. Despite applying left rudder and brake, the pilot was unable to stop the rightward movement. The airplane exited the runway and impacted trees.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Recommendation

As a safety recommendation, the pilot stated that he should have conducted a wheel landing to provide more directional control during the landing roll.