On 1 Aug 2019, a Piper PA 12 No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Manassas, VA. 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; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered right. The pilot's foot slipped while applying left rudder, leading to a ground loop. The left main gear collapsed and left wing struck the ground, causing substantial damage.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the veer by applying left rudder pedal. However, according to the pilot, "My foot slipped as I attempted to correct." The airplane remained on the runway and subsequently ground-looped to the right.
Damage
As a result of the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained