NTSB Factual Report

The pilot in the tail wheel airplane reported that he attempted to land on a 600-ft. turf surface. He overflew the landing site three times to assess its suitability.

During the touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the pilot initiated a go-around. He reduced the flaps to 10°, turned the carburetor heat off, and applied full throttle, but he could not remember the airspeed or trim position.

The airplane did not climb and touched down in a ravine just beyond the initial landing area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward left side of the fuselage.

Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had, "More training in high altitude take offs and landings. More training in go-around techniques in bush planes."

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare on a turf runway, which necessitated a go-around during which he failed to establish a climb.