On March 25, 1985, a Piper PA-20-125 (registration N7629K) was involved in an aviation accident near Zionsville, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing technique and overcorrection during a ground loop, which resulted in structural damage to the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot overcorrected after a bounce on landing, resulting in a ground loop that damaged the left wing and right longeron.
What happened
The pilot reported flaring slightly high during the landing phase, which caused the aircraft to bounce upon initial contact with the runway. After settling back onto the surface, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to correct this lateral deviation, the pilot applied right rudder input.
However, the correction was excessive, leading to a ground loop to the right. The resulting structural damage included a bent front and rear spar on the left wing and a bowed right rear longeron.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed significant airframe deformation consistent with the reported ground loop. The left wing structure sustained bending in both primary spars, while the right side experienced longitudinal distortion in the rear longeron assembly.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing technique and overcorrection during a ground loop, which resulted in structural damage to the aircraft.