What happened
During the final approach, the pilot maintained a VASI slope while flying at approximately 60 mph with 10 degrees of flaps configured. As the aircraft reached flare altitude, it was lowered for a wheels landing at an indicated airspeed of 40 mph. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to fishtail laterally. The nose subsequently veered sharply to the left. The right wing made contact with the runway surface as the aircraft entered a ground loop. The airplane skidded off the left side of the runway and came to rest on its nose.
The investigation
The physical examination of the aircraft revealed significant damage consistent with a ground loop and nose-over. The right wing sustained impact damage from contacting the runway during the uncontrolled turn. The landing gear structure failed under the stress of the skid, resulting in the aircraft resting on its nose. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were found that would have precluded normal operation prior to the event.
Findings
The pilot's decision to land at a speed of 40 mph likely contributed to the loss of directional control. Flying at such a low speed reduced aerodynamic effectiveness of the rudder and ailerons, making it difficult to maintain straight tracking on the runway. The fishtailing indicated a loss of lateral stability that the pilot could not correct in time. The subsequent ground loop was a direct result of this directional instability.
Safety message
Pilots should ensure adequate airspeed is maintained during the landing flare and rollout to preserve control authority. Landing too slowly can lead to a loss of directional control, particularly in aircraft with tailwheel or tricycle gear configurations that are sensitive to yaw inputs at low speeds.