Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, high-performance airplane, he performed a three-point landing about 70 mph. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot reported that he applied left rudder and left aileron to keep the airplane on the runway. However, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and then ground looped to the right, and the left wing and left elevator struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar, ribs, aileron, and the left elevator. The METAR at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 7 knots. The pilot reported that the valve stem from the left main landing gear tire failed, causing the loss of control.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, high performance airplane, he performed a three-point landing about 70 miles per hour. During the landing roll on runway 35, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot reported that he applied left rudder and left aileron to keep the airplane on the runway. However, the airplane exited the right side of the runway, and the airplane ground looped to the right, and the left wing and left elevator struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar, ribs, aileron and the left elevator. The METAR at the accident airport, reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 7kts. The pilot reported that the valve stem from the left main landing gear tire failed causing the loss of control.