GAA17CA224

Factual narrative

The flight instructor of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a 3-point landing touchdown, the airplane pulled to the left and he heard a "pop." He added that the pilot who was flying and receiving instruction "locked up" the right brake. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway surface to the right, and ground looped. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, the pilot receiving flight instruction reported that during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the left and he applied right brake to correct. He added that upon braking, he heard the left tire blow and the airplane departed the runway to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that the tire "inner tube" on the left main landing gear failed during the landing roll. The flight instructor of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a three-point landing touchdown, the airplane pulled to the left, and he heard a "pop." He added that the pilot who was flying and receiving instruction "locked up" the right brake. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway surface to the right and ground looped. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, the pilot receiving instruction reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the left, and he applied right brake to correct. He added that, upon braking, he heard the left tire blow, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that the tire "inner tube" on the left main landing gear failed during the landing roll. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Student/instructed pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot - C