Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loop After Bounced Landing (N4785F)

Accident Sequence of Events During a training flight, the pilot receiving instruction executed a three-point landing. The aircraft bounced and, following the second touchdown, immediately veered to the right. The flight instructor took control of the aircraft and applied full left rudder. The aircraft subsequently exited the right side of the runway and entered a ground loop. ## Post-Accident Examination An examination of the tail wheel steering assembly revealed that the two chains and springs controlling the tail wheel steering had an estimated 1.5 inches of slack. The steering chain was being held together by a carabiner. A maintenance person stated that the chains and springs connected to the tail wheel steering assembly should be tight enough to give the pilot positive steering control. ## Maintenance Records The maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had accumulated approximately 4 flight hours since a major rebuild.