The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on a private, dirt airstrip, he lost sight of the airstrip and the airplane veered left. Concerned the airplane would ground loop, he applied minimal right rudder. Then he chose to abort the landing and applied full power. As the airplane was about to become airborne, the airplane exited the runway to the left and the main landing gear encountered water. He reduced the engine power to idle and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.

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