GAA19CA487

Factual narrative

The pilot of a recently purchased tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, upon landing, the airplane veered left. He attempted to correct with rudder and tapping on the brakes, but the aircraft ground looped. The pilot further reported that he believed that "the landing gear was out of alignment." Photos of the fuselage damage, provided by the FAA inspector, are consistent with a hard landing and ground loop. The FAA inspector further identified the last annual inspection was conducted on October 1, 2014. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wind screen. An automated weather observation station located 31 miles to the north, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 3 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 29. The pilot reported that, upon landing, the airplane veered left. He attempted to correct with rudder and tapping on the brakes, but the airplane ground looped. The pilot added that he believed that "the landing gear was out of alignment." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the windscreen. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the fuselage damage was consistent with a hard landing and ground loop. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, 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-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C