Accident Overview
A flight instructor reported that during a training flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, a ground loop occurred following a wheel landing performed by the pilot receiving instruction. The accident resulted in structural damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.
Narrative
According to the instructor, after the student pilot completed a wheel landing, the airplane began to drift left of the runway centerline. In response, the student pilot applied right rudder control inputs. This caused the airplane to veer sharply to the right. Despite control inputs from the flight instructor aimed at regaining directional control, the airplane continued moving to the right and subsequently ground looped. During the ground loop, the left wing and horizontal stabilizer made contact with the ground.
Aircraft Damage
The impact with the ground resulted in structural damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.