Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of a Waco stated to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that while performing a full stall landing, the airplane veered to the right upon touchdown. He applied left rudder and aileron to maintain directional control while attempting to stop, but the aircraft continued to the right. Due to the pilot's concentration on the rudder pedals, he was unable to reach heel brakes to apply differential braking pressure resulting in the right wheel exiting the runway and subsequent ground loop. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of a Waco stated to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that while performing a full stall landing, the airplane veered to the right upon touchdown. He applied left rudder and aileron to maintain directional control while attempting to stop, but the aircraft continued to the right. Due to the pilot's concentration on the rudder pedals, he was unable to reach heel brakes to apply differential braking pressure resulting in the right wheel exiting the runway and subsequent ground loop. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.