Primary finding
Probable cause
the aircraft ground looped when the pilot lost control of the aircraft during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he flew a normal approach to touchdown. He reported that the aircraft started to ground loop when the tail wheel contacted the runway. The aircraft veered to the right and went off the runway. The left main gear collapsed and the left wing struck the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 15, 1996, at 2100 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22, N2309A, was substantially damaged when the pilot lost control of the aircraft during landing. The private pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed Belvidere Airport, Belvidere, Illinois, en route to Portland, Indiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that he flew a normal approach to touchdown. He reported that the aircraft started to ground loop when the tail wheel contacted the runway. The aircraft veered to the right and went off the runway. The left main gear collapsed and the left wing struck the ground. -