Loss of directional control during landing in tailwheel aircraft

Casualties unknown • Sitka, AK, US

A pilot experienced a ground loop and subsequent gear collapse while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway.

What happened

The pilot was performing a landing on a hard-surfaced runway under calm or nearly calm wind conditions. During the landing roll, the pilot intentionally performed a main gear wheel landing, keeping the tailwheel off the runway for a portion of the rollout. As the pilot lowered the tailwheel onto the runway, the aircraft swerved to the left and entered a ground loop.

During this maneuver, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing struck the runway surface. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the right main landing gear gearbox.

Findings

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the impact. The loss of control was attributed to the aircraft traveling at an excessive speed at the moment the pilot elected to lower the tailwheel onto the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to lower the tailwheel while the aircraft was traveling at too high a speed, leading to a loss of directional control and a subsequent ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-02-11 Stinson 108-1 accident near Sitka, AK?

A pilot experienced a ground loop and subsequent gear collapse while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway.

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.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to lower the tailwheel while the aircraft was traveling at too high a speed, leading to a loss of directional control and a subsequent ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030214X00220. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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