Accident Summary
A pilot practicing full-stop landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a runway excursion during a local personal flight. The airplane touched down with excessive speed on a 2,000-foot-long grass runway, approximately 100 feet before the halfway point. The pilot applied moderate braking about 600 feet from the end of the runway, but the airplane began to slide on the dew-covered grass. When it became apparent that the airplane would not stop before the end of the runway, the pilot intentionally ground-looped the airplane in an attempt to avoid a runway excursion. However, the airplane continued to slide off the end of the runway, and the lower right wing impacted the airport perimeter fence. The airplane then nosed over onto the fence. The lower right wing main spar fractured during the accident.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the first two landings were uneventful, and the surface wind was calm. Before the third landing, the pilot had performed two go-arounds because the airplane was not established on a proper descent path to the runway. On the third attempt, the airplane touched down with excessive speed and about 100 feet before the halfway point of the 2,000-foot-long runway. The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred with the airplane.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity and found no issues with the wheel brakes.