Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was the pilot's limited experience in conventional gear aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he made a normal main wheel touchdown on runway 19L. During the landing rollout, he lost directional control and the aircraft ground looped off the runway, damaging the left wing, wheel, and stabilizer. The pilot reported that he had only 15 hours of total experience in conventional gear aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 8, 1994, at 1640 Pacific daylight time, a tailwheel equipped Cessna 172, N8246B, ground looped on landing at John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California. The aircraft, owned and operated by the pilot, was on a local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage. The certificated commercial pilot and the two passengers on board were not injured. The flight originated at the John Wayne Airport on the day of the mishap at 1550 hours. In a verbal statement, the pilot reported that he made a normal main wheel touchdown on runway 19L. During the landing rollout, he lost directional control and the aircraft ground looped off the runway, damaging the left wing, wheel, and stabilizer. The pilot reported that he had only 15 hours of total experience in conventional gear aircraft. -