Event GAA18CA181

Factual narrative

The student pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane ground looped, and the right main landing gear collapsed. He added that he believes he became complacent during the flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 27 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 070° at 8 knots. The airplane landed on runway 31L. The student pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane ground looped, and the right main landing gear collapsed. He added that he believes he became complacent during the flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 27 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 070° at 8 knots. The airplane landed on runway 31L. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot - C
• — Personnel issues-Psychological-Personality/attitude-Complacency-Student/instructed pilot
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation