NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was aligned with the right edge of the 80 ft. wide private, grass airstrip during short final. The pilot slipped the airplane to the left, but the right main landing gear contacted the tall wheat field that bordered the runway, and the airplane began to veer right. He added that the airplane continued to the right, and subsequently nosed over.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right lift strut.

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

The pilot added in the NTSB Form 6120.1 section titled "Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation" that he should have initiated an immediate go around procedure once he realized the approach was not normal.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the runway centerline and his subsequent decision to not perform a go-around, which resulted in the main landing gear contacting tall wheat and a subsequent loss of control.