NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated that he was landing to refuel during a pleasure flight. He reported that after touchdown on the runway, the tailwheel-equipped airplane began drifting to the left. The pilot applied right rudder to correct, but the airplane continued to travel to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane contacted a ditch and nosed over coming to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and left wing. Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the left main landing gear leg had collapsed and exhibited severe corrosion and evidence of a preexisting crack. The pilot reported that there were no other mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

A failure of the left main landing gear due to a preexisting crack and corrosion, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing.