On May 3, 1992, a Boeing PT-17 (registration N1731B) operated by John P. Hodges was involved in an aviation accident near Chino, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, the airplane experienced a wing drop, aileron correction, and subsequent right turn. It departed the runway, entered dirt, and during a ground loop the left landing gear collapsed, damaging the left wing and propeller.
Landing
The pilot reported executing a three-point landing on the center line of the active runway. As the airplane decelerated, the left wing lowered. The pilot applied right aileron to correct the wing drop.
Loss of Control
In response to the aileron input, the airplane turned to the right and bounced on the left wheel. The pilot then applied left rudder. However, by that time, the aircraft had departed the prepared surface and entered the dirt area adjacent to the runway.
Ground Loop and Damage
While on the dirt, the aircraft entered a ground loop. During this event, the left landing gear collapsed. The ground loop also resulted in damage to the left wing and the propeller.
