What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-02-11 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N71X, at Sitka, AK.

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops After Landing on Hard Surface (N71X)

On February 11, 2003, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N71X) was involved in an aviation accident near Sitka, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop, and the collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a tailwheel airplane landing in calm wind, the pilot lowered the tailwheel at excessive speed, leading to a loss of directional control and a ground loop. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing sustained substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an accident during a landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway. Wind conditions were calm or nearly calm. The pilot executed an intentional main gear wheel landing, keeping the tailwheel off the runway for part of the landing roll.

Loss of Control

When the pilot lowered the tailwheel to the runway, directional control was lost, and the airplane swerved to the left. During the subsequent ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the runway.

Damage

Substantial damage occurred to the right wing and the right main landing gear gearbox. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the airplane was traveling too fast when he elected to lower the tailwheel, and he believes that excessive speed precipitated the loss of control.

2003-02-11: Stinson 108-1 (N71X) — Sitka, AK