Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the inner tube of the right main tire during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was performing a wheel landing with his tailwheel-equipped airplane. Shortly after touchdown the inner tube of the right main tire failed, and the airplane began drifting to the right. When the steel rim of the right main wheel made contact with the asphalt, full left rudder and brake were not sufficient to keep the airplane from departing the right side of the runway. As the ground loop progressed, the left wing and left elevator contacted the ground. Both the left wing and the left elevator sustained structural damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was performing a wheel landing with his tailwheel-equipped airplane. Shortly after touchdown the inner tube of the right main tire failed, and the airplane began drifting to the right. When the steel rim of the right main wheel made contact with the asphalt, full left rudder and brake were not sufficient to keep the airplane from departing the right side of the runway. As the ground loop progressed, the left wing and left elevator contacted the ground. Both the left wing and the left elevator sustained structural damage.