Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during touch down the airplane bounced. Following the bounce, the airplane settled on all three-landing gear and immediately veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with right aileron and right rudder application, then the airplane veered to the right. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and rotated about 180° before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported in the Recommendation section of the National Transportation Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, that the accident could have been prevented if he had received more training in the accident airplane make and model (30 hours reported). The PIC reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during touch down the airplane bounced. Following the bounce, the airplane settled on all three-landing gear and immediately veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with right aileron and right rudder application, then the airplane veered to the right. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and rotated about 180° before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported in the Recommendation section of the National Transportation Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, that the accident could have been prevented if he had received more training in the accident airplane make and model (30 hours reported). The PIC reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.