What happened
On 21 May 2014, an Aviat A-1B Husky Pup, registration G-OGGY, was being used for a tailwheel conversion training course at Sleap Airfield in Shropshire. The weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and a light wind of 7 knots from 230 degrees.
Prior to the incident, the pilot had completed several approaches and landings under the supervision of an instructor, all of which were performed to a high standard. Following a briefing for solo circuits, the instructor vacated the aircraft. During the solo flight, the pilot performed a standard approach and achieved a three-point touchdown on Runway 23. However, during the subsequent ground roll, the aircraft entered a ground loop, yawing left through a full 360 degrees. The movement caused the right wingtip and aileron to strike the ground, with potential damage to the main spar. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the aircraft's behavior during the rollout. While the pilot could not identify a specific cause for the sudden yaw, the instructor noted that the pilot might have applied throttle after the touchdown, though the pilot did not recall performing this action.