Accident Details
The accident involved a tailwheel-equipped airplane during its pilot's first solo flight in that specific aircraft. While landing, the airplane decelerated and veered to the left. The pilot reported overcorrecting, causing the airplane to veer to the right. During the resulting ground loop to the right, the airplane departed the runway, and the left wing contacted the ground. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left-wing spar and aileron.
Weather Conditions
According to the METAR report from the accident airport around the time of the occurrence, the wind was calm and the sky was clear.
Pilot Report
The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Safety Recommendation
The National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aviation Accident Report included a recommendation in the Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation Section. It suggested that this type of accident could have been prevented if the pilot had flown with a properly rated pilot (tailwheel endorsed) and practiced landings before flying solo.