What happened
The commercial pilot was transporting two passengers on a flight intended for a fishing camp. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to turn the aircraft off the runway by applying the brakes. The nose of the airplane turned too sharply, resulting in a loss of directional control. The aircraft subsequently ground looped to the left. This maneuver caused damage to the right wing, the right landing gear, and the right elevator. The pilot reported that the wind conditions were light and variable at the time of the incident.
The investigation
The examination focused on the mechanics of the landing roll and the resulting structural damage. The aircraft sustained impact damage specifically to its right side components due to the ground loop. No other mechanical failures or pre-incident anomalies were noted in the provided records.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of directional control during the turn-off maneuver. The decision to use brake application to initiate the turn resulted in the nose swinging too far around, leading to the ground loop. The light and variable wind conditions did not appear to be a significant contributing factor to the loss of control.
Safety message
Pilots should exercise caution when turning off runways, particularly on narrow or soft surfaces. Excessive brake application can lead to a loss of directional control and ground looping. Proper use of rudder and differential thrust, along with gentle braking techniques, is recommended to maintain control during low-speed maneuvers.