Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that his traffic pattern approach and touchdown on the runway were normal. The pilot stated that he lost directional control during landing rollout in his conventional gear airplane as he was transitioning from rudder effectiveness to tailwheel steering. Thereafter, the airplane ground looped and nosed over bending the rudder and firewall. The pilot also reported that no mechanical problems were experienced with his airplane during the mishap.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that his traffic pattern approach and touchdown on the runway were normal. The pilot stated that he lost directional control during landing rollout in his conventional gear airplane as he was transitioning from rudder effectiveness to tailwheel steering. Thereafter, the airplane ground looped and nosed over, bending the rudder and firewall. The pilot also reported that no mechanical problems were experienced with his airplane during the mishap.