N9BBBrown PITTS SPECIAL S-1 · 1973

The pilot reported that he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane in an area of tidal, grass-covered terrain. After touchdown, during the landing rollout, the left main landing gear wheel struck a large log that was obscured by the tall grass, which resulted in the left main landing gear separation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment point (gearbox assembly). The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while landing on runway 4, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer left. The pilot used rudder control and added power to no avail. The airplane ground looped to the right and the left landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 350° at 8 knots