20110516008909A

Pilot attempted off-field landing on dirt road to explore ghost town. During landing, right wing struck mesquite tree causing aircraft to depart road and tip onto nose and then on over onto back. At approximately 13:45 local, aircraft arrived over copper creek ghost town. The pilot circled the area at approx. 1000' AGL, looking for indications of local wind conditions and an adequate landing sight. The pilot intended to land and explore the ghost town. The pilot received AWOS from san manuel airport (E77). The local flight conditions were smooth and no surface indications of wind. Pilot located a (seemingly) adequate section of dirt road approximately 3 miles west of copper creek. Pilot circled the landing sight numerous times and made 3 low approaches to inspect the area. The pilot's plan was to land to the east with an uphill grade. There were low obstructions (brush and cactus) on both sides of the road. The road was hard packed dry dirt with some small rocks and gravel on it. At approximately 14:00 local, the pilot made a slow stol full flap approach to a 3 point landing. Touch down speed was reported as approx 45-50 mph. Shortly after touch down the right wing hit a scrub bush at the landing light location, near the wing tip. The aircraft yawed to the right and was unresponsive to left rudder input. (Due to low airspeed) the main wheels skidded with the yaw initially but soon tracked approximately 20 degrees right of center. The right main wheel then the left main wheel plowed through a patch of prickly pear cactus. The deceleration caused the airplane to nose over and flip onto its back. Pilot and passenger exited the airplane on the left with no injuries. An inspection of the aircraft and aircraft records produced no indications of mechanical/maintenance irregularities that could have contributed to event. The pilot has repeatedly stated that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft; he just made a mistake on selecting a landing site.