Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a ground-loop.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane with a crosswind, the airplane touched down on the main wheels and bounced. During the second bounce he applied full back stick pressure to place the tailwheel on the ground. Aileron and directional control inputs were applied to counteract the gusting crosswind, but the airplane veered right, exited the runway and ground looped.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 11 knots, gusting 14 knots. The airplane landed on runway 20.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA381