8 Feb 2018: HEINLEIN GEORGE GH125 NO SERIES

8 Feb 2018: HEINLEIN GEORGE GH125 NO SERIES — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Valkaria, FL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to exit the paved runway into soft terrain, which resulted in a ground loop and landing gear collapse.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, after landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he exited the runway as soon as possible due to student traffic in the pattern, but the runway had no parallel taxiway, and he underestimated the softness of the terrain next to the runway. He added, the right main landing gear dug in, the airplane ground looped, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nosed down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that he should have stayed on the paved runway until reaching the taxiway exit.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 030/15kt, vis 10sm

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