N91224Cessna 180H · 1969

The pilot reported that, while on takeoff roll from a gravel airstrip, the airplane’s left main wheel struck a pile of gravel, resulting in a nose over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, horizontal stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot added that flat light conditions, coupled with the gray silt ladened gravel, contributed to him not seeing the obstacle on the airstrip.

The pilot reported that, during landing, the wind shifted to a tailwind, and he landed past his intended touch down point. Breaking action was poor on the river rock surface and when the airplane was nearing the end of the airstrip the pilot, “ground looped the airplane to prevent the airplane from rolling over the bank.” Subsequently, the left wheel hit large rocks and the airplane nosed over off the end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to both wing tips, the right wing strut, horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation..