Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing, and his subsequent loss of directional control, which resulted in a ground loop.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that the accident happened while landing the conventional (tailwheel) gear equipped World War I replica fighter airplane after a test flight. He stated that the flight was uneventful until the initial touchdown which was harder than expected and the airplane bounced to the left. He was able to correct back to the right but the airplane bounced a second time to the left. When the airplane came down the third time it ground looped. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies that led to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20CA105