On November 26, 2003, a Globe SWIFT GC1B (registration N3210K) operated by Harold E. Garner was involved in an aviation accident near Southern Pines, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control following touchdown, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent damage to the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control after a normal touchdown, causing the aircraft to ground loop and collapse its landing gear. No mechanical issues were reported.
What happened
The pilot reported that the flight proceeded normally until the moment of landing. Upon making a standard touchdown on the runway, the aircraft immediately lost directional control. The loss of control resulted in the airplane ground looping. This maneuver caused significant structural damage to the landing gear assembly. Specifically, the right main gear strut separated at its attachment point to the wing. Simultaneously, the left main landing gear collapsed under the stress of the event.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot provided a statement regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to and during the accident sequence. He confirmed that there were no mechanical failures or engine problems present at the time of the accident. The damage was attributed entirely to the ground loop dynamics rather than pre-existing mechanical defects.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the loss of directional control immediately after touchdown. The subsequent ground loop led to the failure of both main landing gear struts. The separation of the right strut and the collapse of the left strut were direct consequences of the uncontrolled yaw motion during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control following touchdown, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent damage to the landing gear.