Accident Overview
The private pilot, who had recently built the tailwheel-equipped experimental airplane, had accrued approximately 20 hours of flight instruction in the aircraft. A commercial pilot accompanied the private pilot on the flight.
Takeoff and Sequence of Events
During takeoff from Runway 12, a 4,165-foot-long by 75-foot-wide asphalt runway, the airplane became airborne briefly and then settled back onto the runway. This was followed by a couple of hard bounces. After the second bounce, the left main landing gear wheel separated, and the airplane ground-looped. Subsequently, the airplane rolled to the right, exited the runway, and nosed over.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The private pilot reported a total of 70 flight hours but had not flown since 1951. A review of FAA records indicated that the commercial-rated pilot held a flight instructor rating, which had expired in 2004.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed no pre-mishap discrepancies. The winds at the time of the mishap were reported from 100 degrees at 7 knots.
Conclusion
The investigation did not provide any stated probable cause for the accident. The sequence of events involved a bounced landing followed by a wheel separation and ground loop, with no pre-existing mechanical issues found.