The pilot in the experimental amateur-built Pietenpol reported that this was the first test flight after the airplane had been reassembled following purchase and transport. He performed two high-speed taxi runs, then he back taxied and subsequently took off from the airport in Anacortes, Washington.
During the landing roll, “the left front landing gear attachment lugs broke off the mount fitting,” according to the pilot.
He lost directional control of the airplane and ground-looped to the right. The airplane entered a ditch and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing aft lift strut.
Probable Cause: The failure of the left main landing gear attachment point during the landing roll for reasons that could not be determined because the attachment was not examined, which resulted in a loss of directional control, collision with a drainage culvert, and a subsequent nose-over.
This July 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I do agree with Jim Sturges, Sr..
The question begged is, “why was not the attachment not examined?”
If this article is supposed to be a learning opportunity, both the begged question needs to be answered and analysis of other similar aircraft ought to be performed.