Gear collapse during ground loop in tailwheel aircraft

Casualties unknown • Walnut Ridge, AR, US

A pilot experienced a ground loop and subsequent gear collapse while performing stop-and-go landings in a tailwheel airplane.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a series of stop-and-go landings on a concrete runway using a tailwheel airplane. During the eighth landing, the pilot successfully completed a wheel landing. As the aircraft decelerated to approximately 15 mph, the tail wheel was lowered.

At this point, the aircraft veered to the right. In an attempt to correct the direction, the pilot applied left brake and rudder; however, the airplane continued into a ground loop. This maneuver resulted in the collapse of the left main gear, which caused the propeller and the left wing to strike the terrain. The pilot was not injured.

The pilot had recently purchased the aircraft and had only accumulated two hours of flight time in this specific model. Additionally, the pilot noted that his previous flight experience primarily involved tricycle gear aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during a ground loop, following the transition to a tailwheel configuration during deceleration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-06-14 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Walnut Ridge, AR?

A pilot experienced a ground loop and subsequent gear collapse while performing stop-and-go landings in a tailwheel airplane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-06-14 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3711P, operated by Gilmore, Garland W., at Walnut Ridge, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control during a ground loop, following the transition to a tailwheel configuration during deceleration.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14874. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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