Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he circled above the traffic pattern in the tailwheel-equipped airplane for approximately 1/2 hour before he entered the traffic pattern and conducted an uneventful approach and landing. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane ground looped, and the lower fuselage where the landing gears attach was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that it was the tail-wheel equipped airplane’s first flight. He had circled above the traffic pattern for approximately one half hour before he entered the traffic pattern and conducted an uneventful approach and landing touchdown. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane ground looped, and the lower fuselage where the landing gears attach, was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.