NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that during an off-field landing on a dry lake bed in a tail-wheel equipped airplane, he "rounded out too high, dropped hard," and the airplane bounced two times. As the airplane began to slow, it veered to the left despite the pilot's control inputs. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in structural damage to the right wing. The pilot stated that he felt that his perception of his vertical position was affected by the featureless, white landing surface. Post accident examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the tail wheel was separated due to a "broken" spring and remained attached to the fuselage by the tail wheel steering links. The pilot further stated that he felt that the damage to the tail wheel spring was a result of the hard landing and subsequent bounces. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane or flight control systems prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudged landing flare, resulting in a bounced landing and loss of directional control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inaccurate perception of the airplane’s proximity to the ground as a result of the featureless white landing area.