Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was performing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings for proficiency. On the last rollout, the pilot relaxed for a brief moment, and the airplane started to veer to the left; the pilot was unable to recover. The airplane ground looped and the landing gear collapsed. The propeller contacted the ground, the right wing tip struck the pavement, and the tailwheel attachment was bent. The pilot said the accident could have been prevented if he had been more proficient in tailwheel-equipped airplanes. He reported 3 hours within the last 90 days.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was performing touch-and-go landings for proficiency. On the last roll-out, he relaxed for a brief moment. The airplane started to veer to the left, and the pilot was unable to recover. It ground looped to the left; one landing gear collapsed, the propeller contacted the ground, the right wing tip struck the pavement, and the tail wheel attachment was bent.