Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing, resulting in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to adequately monitor the landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot receiving instruction had recently returned to flying after a long absence, and he hired a flight instructor to assist him in becoming familiar and proficient with a recently purchased tailwheel-equipped airplane. Although not proficient, the pilot did possess a current tailwheel endorsement. During landing, the pilot said he overcorrected, and the airplane ground looped, sustaining substantial damage to the left aileron. The instructor said that he had been asked to substitute for the pilot's primary instructor and that he overestimated the pilot's ability and did not take control of the airplane. Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot-rated student had recently returned to flying after a long absence, and he hired a flight instructor to assist him in becoming familiar/proficient with a recently purchased tailwheel-equipped airplane. Although not proficient, the pilot did possess a current tailwheel endorsement. During landing, the pilot said he over corrected, and the airplane ground-looped, sustaining substantial damage to the left aileron. The instructor involved in the accident, said he had been asked to sit in during the absence of the pilot's primary instructor, and he overestimated the pilot's ability and did not take control of the airplane. Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.