Incident Overview
A pilot and a pilot-rated passenger experienced a ground loop during landing at Bartow Municipal Airport. The incident occurred on the pilot's first flight in that specific airplane, following an orientation flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, after a three-point landing, the airplane initially seemed normal but then began to swerve to the left. The pilot applied rudder correction but overcorrected, causing the aircraft to cross the runway centerline. The airplane then started to bounce while traveling perpendicular to the centerline. During this sequence, the right main wheel separated from the spring shank. The separated wheel dug into the runway, causing the aircraft to spin to the right. The airplane then settled onto its belly with the right wing low.
The pilot-rated passenger reported that the preflight, taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing approach were all normal until touchdown, when the aircraft ground-looped. During the landing roll, an uncontrolled left turn began, then tightened, damaging the landing gear and causing the wing tip to drag along the runway. Subsequently, the propeller struck the runway. The aircraft came to rest after rotating 270 degrees, stopping at the edge of the runway.
Pilot Statements
Both pilots stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.