On July 19, 1994, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N9354E) was involved in an aviation accident near Lutz, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a wheel landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot attempting a wheel landing in crosswind conditions lost directional control during rollout, resulting in a ground loop that neither the student nor the instructor could prevent.
What happened
The flight was conducted under visual flight rules with the objective of practicing touch-and-go landings. The student pilot was operating the aircraft and elected to perform a wheel landing technique rather than a full three-point or nose-wheel touchdown. At the time of the event, light crosswind conditions were present.
During the rollout phase immediately after the main wheels contacted the runway surface, the aircraft began to veer sharply to the left. The student pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying rudder input and adding throttle power. Simultaneously, the certified flight instructor reached over to take control of the flight controls. Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft continued its uncontrolled turn, resulting in a ground loop before either individual could regain directional stability.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the primary damage was consistent with the forces generated during a ground loop. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft systems.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a wheel landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.