NTSB Factual Report

The commercial certificated pilot was landing his tailwheel-converted airplane at the completion of a local personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said the airplane landed hard in a gusty wind, bounced, and went off the side of the runway, incurring structural damage when the right wing and elevator struck the ground. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and noted that he should have aborted the landing as soon as the airplane started to veer off the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing during touchdown, which resulted in a loss of control and encounter with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's misjudged flare, and a gusty wind.