Accident Summary
A solo commercial pilot was landing a tailwheel and tundra tire equipped airplane on a paved runway. The pilot reported that after the airplane touched down, the right main wheel suddenly grabbed, leading to a ground loop to the right. During the ground loop, the left wing struck the runway surface, and the aircraft pitched nose-down.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting a landing on runway 24. Following touchdown, the right main wheel encountered a condition described by the pilot as “grabbing.” This caused the airplane to yaw uncontrollably to the right, initiating a ground loop. As the airplane rotated, the left wing made contact with the runway, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.
Damage and Findings
Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing leading edge and the left wing main spar. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. No other damage or injuries were reported.