Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Training Flight Ends in Ground Loop During Landing Rollout (N88EW)

Hawthorne, CA, US

On September 20, 1993, a Christen Industries PITTS S-2B (registration N88EW) was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: dual student's failure to maintain directional control and improper use of the rudder and the CFI's inadequate supervision of the flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, receiving instruction in a tailwheel airplane, applied full left rudder during the landing rollout, causing a violent left swerve. The flight instructor could not correct the turn, and the airplane exited the runway and ground looped.

Overview

A certificated private pilot, serving as a dual student, was receiving instruction in a conventional gear (tailwheel) airplane. The accident occurred during the second landing of the training flight.

Sequence of Events

During the rollout after the second landing, the airplane began to drift to the right. The certified flight instructor (CFI) instructed the dual student to apply left rudder. The dual student then applied full left rudder, which caused the airplane to swerve violently to the left. The CFI was unable to arrest the violent left turn, and the airplane subsequently exited the runway and ground looped.

Aircraft and Crew

The aircraft was a conventional tailwheel design, equipped for instruction. The pilot receiving instruction held a private pilot certificate and was acting as a dual student. The CFI was instructing the student in tailwheel operations.

Outcome

The airplane ground looped after departing the runway surface. No further details about injuries, damage, or other conditions were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13435. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.