The pilot reported that, while landing off airport on an upslope of a ridge, the tailwheel-equipped airplane "touched down harder than preferred". He applied full throttle, initiated a go-around, and attempted to turn towards the downslope side of the hill. The airplane briefly became airborne but then aerodynamically stalled and nosed down into the tundra.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.