Rudder Control Cable Failure Leads to Ground Loop During Landing Roll

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, the aircraft suddenly veered to the right. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to veer right and subsequently ground looped. The ground loop resulted in structural damage to the left wingtip and aileron.

Examination Findings

A post-incident examination conducted by the pilot revealed that the nicopress fitting on the left rudder control cable had failed. This failure allowed the cable to become disconnected from the rudder bellcrank. No additional preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.