Accident Details
On December 17, 2013, at approximately 1130 central standard time, a Cessna 305C (0-1E) airplane, registration N83CN, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion and ground loop after an aborted landing attempt at South Texas Regional Airport (HDO) in Hondo, Texas. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight had originated from HDO about 1100.
Flight Sequence
The flight instructor reported that he and the private pilot were performing a flight review. After completing airwork, they returned to the departure airport for takeoffs and landings. The first two landings exhibited a left turning tendency during the landing roll on the hard surface runway. The instructor then performed a three-point landing, which he noted had "minimal directional control problems." The subsequent landing, performed by the private pilot, also showed a left turning tendency and was aborted. During the final landing, another abort was attempted, but a "severe left turn" developed, leading to a runway excursion, ground loop, and landing gear collapse. The instructor added that the flight should have been terminated to investigate the left turning tendency.
Injuries and Damage
The private pilot was not injured, while the flight instructor sustained minor injuries. The airplane came to rest upright on the grass and dirt infield adjacent to the runway. The outboard one-third of the right wing was deformed upward, and the landing gear had collapsed.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the landing gear did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure. However, the left main landing gear attachment bolt was not recovered, which precluded a complete examination of the landing gear assembly.
Weather Conditions
The observed wind around the time of the accident ranged from variable to westerly at 4 to 5 knots. The pilot reported a southerly wind at 4 to 5 knots, with no gusts and no turbulence.