Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The instructor of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported a left crosswind during the landing approach. The pilot receiving instruction executed a 3-point landing and the tailwheel bounced twice. The instructor told the student to “pin the tail” by applying full aft elevator. The airplane deviated right of runway centerline and the pilot corrected with left rudder. The airplane crossed the centerline to the left and did not respond to full right rudder and heavy right braking. The airplane ground looped to the left sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.