Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadvertent application of only one brake during landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the of the vintage tailwheel airplane reported that the touchdown was normal; however, after rolling out about 1,500 feet, his left heel was not fully centered in the rudder shoe and accidentally depressed the left brake. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway and rotated 180 degrees on concrete, before coming to rest. The rotation on concrete resulted in separation of the right main landing gear. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration revealed damage to the lower right fuselage, where the right main landing gear attached.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA033