On 16 Apr 2019, a Tubbs S/Performance Air Inc PA-18-225 was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground-loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane ground-looped during landing, resulting in left main landing gear collapse and wing strike. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.
Incident Overview
A pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he performed a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake to correct the deviation. Subsequently, the airplane ground-looped to the right, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The left wing subsequently struck the ground.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar. The extent of damage was limited to the wing structure, with no other components reported as compromised.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. No other contributing factors were mentioned in the report.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained