Accident Overview
A noncertificated student pilot was conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel airplane. During the second landing, the student pilot executed an improper flare, causing the airplane to porpoise. The student failed to recover from the bounced landing, leading the airplane to ground loop and cartwheel.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot had accrued a total of 70 flying hours, of which only 3 hours were in tailwheel-equipped airplanes. This flight was not approved by the student pilot's certified flight instructor (CFI).
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the student pilot performed the first landing without incident. On the second approach, the flare was executed improperly, resulting in a porpoising motion. The student did not take corrective action to recover from the bounced landing. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and then cartwheeled.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that the student pilot lacked significant tailwheel experience, with a minimal portion of total flight time in such aircraft. The unauthorized nature of the flight – lacking CFI approval – was also documented.
No further details regarding injuries, damage, aircraft registration, or location were provided in the source material.