On December 22, 2002, a Cessna 170A (registration N1392D) was involved in an aviation accident near West Helena, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the deflated tire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot with 850 hours of flight experience lost control of a tail-wheel airplane during landing after a hard landing and go-around, resulting in a ground loop and skid off the runway.
Event Overview
A pilot with 850 hours of flight experience was landing a tail-wheel equipped airplane when a loss of control occurred. The incident took place on Runway 17.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that following an uneventful flight, he executed a hard landing on Runway 17. He then performed a go-around to set up for another approach and landing. Upon the subsequent touchdown, the airplane ground looped and skidded off the runway to the left at a 45-degree angle.
Tire Condition
The pilot stated that he believed the airplane had blown the right tire during the initial hard landing. He indicated that the blown tire contributed to the ground loop after the go-around.
Outcome
The airplane came to rest off the runway. No further details are provided.