Primary finding
Probable cause
The private pilot’s loss of control during the landing roll and the certificated flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the certificated flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot receiving instruction were requested to exit the runway by the airport’s control tower. Based on the airplane’s speed and that it had already passed the intersection taxiway, the private pilot reported that he was unable to comply. The tower requested that they exit the active runway as soon as possible. The private pilot tried to exit the runway; however, the airplane’s speed was too fast during the turn, resulting in the airplane ground-looping. The pilots noted that, during the ground-loop, the airplane’s left gear, left wing tip, and left elevator had sustained damage. The CFI reported no preimpact malfunctions with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
After landing in a tail-wheel equipped airplane the certificated flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot, who was receiving instruction in the airplane, were requested by the airport’s control tower to exit the runway. Based on the airplane’s speed and that they had already passed the intersection taxiway, the private pilot reported, “unable”. The CFI stated that at that point the tower requested that they exit the active runway “as soon as possible”. The CFI added that the private pilot tried to exit the active runway; however, the airplane’s speed was too fast during the turn, causing the airplane to “ground-loop”. The pilots noted that during the ground-loop, the airplane’s left gear, left wing tip, and left elevator had sustained substantial damage. The CFI also reported no malfunctions to the airplane prior to the accident.