On May 12, 2007, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N85835) was involved in an aviation accident near Glendale, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The private pilot's unstabilized approach and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop. Also causal was the instructor's inadequate supervision and failure to take remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an instructional flight, a conventional landing gear airplane ground looped on landing after an unstabilized approach, veering off the runway and striking a runway direction sign and taxiway light.
Accident Sequence
An airplane performing an instructional flight experienced a ground loop during the landing roll. The aircraft touched down and began a slow right turn, which continued until the airplane veered off the runway surface. It subsequently collided with a runway direction sign and a taxiway light. The private pilot involved in the accident reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Pilot Experience
The private pilot stated that he was receiving instruction from a certificated flight instructor (CFI) because he had very little experience with conventional landing gear equipped airplanes, such as the accident aircraft.
Approach and Landing
While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot observed another aircraft on a straight-in approach. To give the other airplane sufficient clearance, he initiated a series of "S" turns. This resulted in an unstabilized approach. The pilot noted that on short final, the airplane was too high and its airspeed was twice as fast as normal. The airplane touched down and subsequently ground looped, leading to the runway excursion.