On May 14, 1982, a Piper PA-20S (registration N6952K) operated by Charles F. Chamberlain was involved in an aviation accident near Gulkana, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Piper PA-20, converted from a PA-22, ground looped during a practice landing with a student pilot and instructor. The left main gear collapsed and left wing sustained damage.
Accident Details
A private pilot was receiving dual instructional training in his own tailwheel-equipped aircraft. The aircraft was a Piper PA-20 that had been converted from a model PA-22. The owner had accumulated approximately 10 hours of flight time in this make and model.
Sequence of Events
The accident occurred when the aircraft ground looped during a practice landing. The instructor pilot reported that the owner-trainee was performing so well during the practice that he (the instructor) relaxed. After touchdown, the aircraft was tracking straight, and the instructor believed the plane was under control. Then the aircraft began to move slightly to the right. The trainee attempted to correct with left rudder, but the rightward movement continued. The instructor then tried to correct the impending ground loop but was unable to prevent it.
Damage
As a result of the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing was damaged.