Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loop Following Right Main Tire Failure

Accident Details

The pilot was performing a wheel landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. Shortly after touchdown, the inner tube of the right main tire failed, and the airplane began drifting to the right. As the steel rim of the right main wheel made contact with the asphalt runway, the pilot applied full left rudder and brake, but these inputs were not sufficient to prevent the airplane from departing the right side of the runway.

Ground Loop and Damage

As the airplane continued off the runway, a ground loop developed. During the ground loop, the left wing and left elevator contacted the ground. Both the left wing and the left elevator sustained structural damage as a result of the ground contact.