Accident Details
On 21 May 2014 at 1100 hrs, a training flight involving Aviat A-1B Husky Pup, registration G-OGGY, suffered a ground loop at Sleap Airfield in Shropshire. The pilot was undergoing tail wheel conversion training. Runway 23 was in use, with a surface wind from 230° at 7 kt and fine weather. The pilot had successfully completed four approaches and landings with an instructor, described as being to a high standard. The instructor then briefed the pilot to fly two solo circuits and vacated the aircraft.
During the solo flight, the pilot flew a normal approach and three-point touchdown. During the ground roll, the aircraft unexpectedly yawed left through 360° before coming to a stop, during which the right wing touched the ground. The resulting damage included the right wingtip and aileron, with possible damage to the main spar.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an Aviat A-1B Husky Pup, year of manufacture 2004, serial number NF0005. It was powered by one Lycoming O-320-D2A piston engine.
Pilot Information
The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence, was 68 years old, and had 212 hours total flying experience, with 8 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 8 hours, and in the last 28 days, 4 hours. The pilot did not sustain any injuries.
Post-Accident Comments
The pilot could not explain the ground loop, which followed a normal approach and landing. His instructor suggested that he may have opened the throttle after landing, although the pilot had no recollection of doing so.