Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing, which resulted in a ground loop. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of total experience in type of aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that after landing, the airplane started to drift to the left, when braking action was initiated. According to the pilot, the airplane ground looped before he could compensate. Both the upper and lower left wings of the aircraft were torn off after contact with the runway surface. Examination of the aircraft failed to disclose a previous mechanical problem. The pilot also stated that his limited experience in tail wheel aircraft caused the aircraft to get away from him.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 31, 1996, at 1145 eastern daylight time, a Meeker Junkster-1, N8VM was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during the landing roll at the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport, in Ormond Beach, Florida. The private pilot was not injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, personal flight. The flight departed Ormond Beach, Florida, at 1100. The pilot stated that after landing on runway 29, the airplane started to drift to the left when braking action was initiated. According to the pilot, the airplane ground looped before he could compensate. Both the upper and lower left wings of the aircraft were torn off after contact with the runway surface. The examination of the aircraft failed to disclose a mechanical problem. The pilot also stated that his limited experience in tail wheel aircraft caused the aircraft to get away from him. -