On August 24, 2003, a North American AT-6 (registration N37642) was involved in an aviation accident near Omaha, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the landing roll. Factors were the grass the airplane encountered when the airplane ground looped off the runway and the main gear collapsed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An experimental tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop during landing, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear and substantial damage.
Accident Details
An experimental exhibition tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when its left main landing gear collapsed during a ground loop. The pilot reported making a smooth three-point landing at approximately 1245. During the rollout, the aircraft's right wing rose, and the airplane turned to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation before the airplane slid onto grass. At that point, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the wing and propeller to contact the ground.
Environmental Conditions
The wind at the time was reported as 200 degrees at 8 knots. No other weather conditions were specified.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. The aircraft was an experimental type, equipped with a tailwheel configuration.