Ground loop during landing instruction results in aircraft damage

Casualties unknown • Birchwood, AK, US

A flight instructor reported a ground loop occurred during a dual instruction flight when a student pilot's rudder over-corrections led to a loss of directional control.

What happened

During a flight conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 91 for dual instruction, an aircraft experienced a ground loop during the landing phase. According to the flight instructor, the student pilot over-corrected with the rudder, causing the airplane to swerve to the right. The student then applied full left rudder in an attempt to correct the deviation. As the instructor attempted to take control of the aircraft, the student applied full right rudder, causing a secondary swerve to the right.

The instructor noted that the rightward swerve became too severe to correct because there are no brakes on the right-side rudder pedals. This resulted in a ground loop to the right, which caused the left main landing gear to collapse. The incident resulted in structural damage to the left wing and the fuselage. There were no injuries reported.

Findings

Prior to the accident, there were no known mechanical problems with the aircraft. The instructor noted that the student's over-controlling should have been recognized earlier to allow for a takeover of control before the ground loop occurred.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to excessive rudder inputs and over-correction during the landing phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-04-15 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Birchwood, AK?

A flight instructor reported a ground loop occurred during a dual instruction flight when a student pilot's rudder over-corrections led to a loss of directional control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-04-15 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7257D, operated by Roger Clyne, at Birchwood, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to excessive rudder inputs and over-correction during the landing phase.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060503X00501. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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