Accident Details
The private pilot landed a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a harvested farm field near his father's house. According to the pilot, the landing was made to an area that he had walked the day before. When he attempted to take off from a different location than the previous landing, he encountered high wheel resistance due to the soft, wet ground and aborted the takeoff.
Pilot Statements
The pilot stated that he had not walked or inspected the area where this takeoff attempt was conducted. While attempting to taxi back to the previous landing location, dirt and mud accumulated on the landing gear between the main landing gear leg and the tire, causing the wheel to lock up as if the brakes had been applied. The pilot attempted to reduce engine power, but the airplane slowly nosed over.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical tail.
Mechanical Condition
In a telephone conversation, the pilot confirmed that there was no mechanical failure of the braking system and that the tires stopped rotating due to the dirt and mud between the gear leg and the tire or wheel.