On May 21, 1990, a Cessna 140 (registration N76464) operated by Anderson, Egerton A. was involved in an aviation accident near Opa-locka, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL DUE TO THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN TAILWHEEL EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel aircraft ground looped during a full-stop landing, causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the aircraft to spin, with both pilots on the controls.
Introduction
A commercial-rated student pilot, who also owned the tailwheel-equipped aircraft, hired a flight instructor to practice takeoffs and landings. The instructor reportedly had 25 hours of tailwheel experience.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll of a full-stop landing, while the aircraft was in a three-point attitude with both pilots on the controls, the aircraft began to fishtail. The instructor attempted to correct the fishtail using rudder and throttle inputs but was unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently ground looped to the right, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then spun approximately 160 degrees and came to rest with the left wing contacting the runway.
Additional Information
The student pilot stated that the wind was calm at the time of the incident.