N95356Taylorcraft BC12-D

The airplane departed from the backcountry airstrip, located in a national forest, with the intent of repositioning to another nearby backcountry airstrip by a river. Both privately-owned backcountry airstrips are located on the same property. While on the downwind leg, the pilot performed a turn to establish himself on the base leg. During the turn, the right wing impacted a standing dead tree with no leaves. The airplane came to rest on its right side in a forested area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.

The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by operating at a higher altitude and paying more attention to the airplane’s proximity to the trees in the area.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll as the tail settled onto the grass airstrip, the airplane veered to the left. He added that he applied right rudder and brake inputs, but the left wing exited the airstrip and struck farm equipment, which caused the airplane to rotate counter-clockwise before coming to rest.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings and the right wing lift strut.

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