Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop, and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot, who was receiving instruction for his tailwheel endorsement, reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer left. He applied corrective control inputs, and the flight instructor called for him to abort the takeoff, but the airplane ground looped and departed the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The instructor reported that the event happened too fast for him to correct the diversion and that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll in the tailwheel equipped airplane, it began to veer to the left. He applied corrective control inputs, and the flight instructor called for him to abort the takeoff, but the airplane ground looped as it departed the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. Both pilots were flight instructors, and the pilot at the controls was receiving instruction for his tailwheel endorsement. The flight instructor providing instruction stated that the event happened too fast for him to correct the diversion. Neither pilot reported a preaccident mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.