Ground Loop During Landing Roll Damages Tail-Wheel Airplane (N2474Z)

Accident Details

A tail-wheel equipped airplane was substantially damaged when it ground looped during the landing roll. The student pilot flared high and touched down hard on the main wheels, causing the airplane to bounce back into the air. The pilot attempted to recover by lowering the nose and executing a three-point landing. On the second touchdown, the airplane was oriented with the nose pointing to the left of the runway centerline. Unable to correct the heading, the pilot continued left and departed the runway into a dirt area. The airplane then ground looped, with the right wing tip and right elevator making contact with the ground. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.