NTSB Factual Report

The tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage during a precautionary landing when its landing gear encountered a ditch. The pilot stated, "After a successful off airport landing I taxied to clear road for auto traffic (none around at the time). The road to [alfalfa] field transition looked smooth, but the gear dropped into an unnoticed low shoulder I tried to pull back but left gear collapsed and airplane nosed over." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot encountering unsuitable terrain during the precautionary landing. A factor was the ditch the pilot encountered.