Event
On February 21, 2012, at about 1715 central standard time, a Cessna 180H, registration N3SM, ground looped while landing on runway 14 at Lone Star Executive Airport (CXO) in Conroe, Texas. The airplane was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which had departed from CXO about 1630.
Aircraft and Pilots
The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot in the left seat, who held an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. The right seat pilot also held an ATP certificate and a flight instructor certificate, and had a tailwheel endorsement; the left seat pilot did not have a tailwheel endorsement. Both pilots were uninjured. The right seat pilot was a friend of the left seat pilot, who held a private pilot certificate.
Flight and Landing
The pilots departed on a personal flight that remained in the local area. About 45 minutes later, they returned to CXO to practice landings. The left seat pilot performed the first landing and subsequent takeoff, which were described as normal. During the second landing by the left seat pilot, the airplane veered sharply off the runway centerline. The right seat pilot took control from the left seat pilot but was unable to regain directional control. The left wingtip contacted the runway, and the airplane ground looped.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar, left elevator, and stabilizer.