Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot receiving instructions failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that, the pilot receiving instruction performed a wheel landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane. During the landing roll, with the tailwheel still off the ground, the airplane drifted left, which was counteracted with right rudder control. Shortly after, the right wing suddenly lifted, and the airplane veered to the right. Despite left rudder input, the airplane ground looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left main landing gear axle bolts broke, and the left wing was substantially damaged when it struck the ground. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that he felt the loss of control was due to a dust devil. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 10R with wind from 180° at 4 knots.