17 Jun 2008: Piper PA-22-150 — Robert Wild

17 Jun 2008: Piper PA-22-150 (N697DM) — Robert Wild

No fatalities • Wadena, MN, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the tail wheel airplane during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience in tail wheel airplanes.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On June 17, 2008, at 1030 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, N697DM, ground looped while landing on runway 34 (4,005 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at the Wadena Municipal Airport (ADC), Wadena, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to the left wing spar. The Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan was filed. The airplane departed from Amery, Wisconsin, at 0830.

The pilot reported the landing approach and touch down were normal until the airplane "... veered hard to the left on roll-out." He stated he applied full right rudder, but the airplane did not respond. He then applied "nominal" right brake pressure at which time the airplane ground looped to the right.

The pilot reported he just got re-qualified to fly a tail dragger. The pilot reported having 3 hours of total time in the make and model of airplane involved in the accident.

Contributing factors

cause Pilot
factor Pilot

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 290/10kt, vis 10sm

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