NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing at a private grass airstrip, he touched down long to avoid water on the runway. The pilot further reported that during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a thermal and became airborne again for about 100 feet. Subsequently, the pilot realized he could not stop within the distance remaining so he aborted the landing. During the initial climb of the aborted landing, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall, the left wing impacted terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack during an initial climb of an aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.