Accident Overview
The incident occurred while a commercial pilot, occupying the left seat, was performing a landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot reported losing directional control during the landing, which led to a ground loop. At the time, a flight instructor was seated in the right seat, providing an aircraft and local area familiarization flight. No preaccident mechanical issues were identified by either pilot.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently entered a ground loop. As the aircraft rotated, the left wingtip contacted the ground, causing the main landing gear to collapse under the stress. The ground loop continued until the airplane came to rest.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage. The left wing structure was compromised from the ground strike, and the fuselage was also damaged. The main landing gear collapsed, resulting in additional structural damage. The damage to the wings and fuselage rendered the aircraft significantly impaired. Neither pilot reported any preexisting mechanical anomalies before the accident.