Incident Overview
A pilot reported that following a routine landing in a tail wheel equipped airplane, the aircraft began to drift to the right. The pilot applied control inputs to counter the drift. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the left, prompting the pilot to apply right rudder to arrest the movement. However, his foot became entangled in the rudder pedal, leading to a ground loop.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the forward area of the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Actions and Sequence
The pilot described a sequence where, after the normal touchdown, the airplane unexpectedly drifted right. Corrective inputs were made, but the drift reversed to the left. The right rudder application was hindered by the foot entanglement, causing the airplane to pivot unexpectedly. The ground loop ensued, leading to the landing gear collapse and structural damage.