PIPER PA 18-150 near Woodbine, NJ — 2014-04-27

Probable cause

The flight instructor's delayed reaction to the loss of directional control, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB narrative

According to the flight instructor, the accident flight was the student pilot's first flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The primary activity for the flight was to be instruction in takeoffs and landings. On the final landing of the flight, the airplane began to "swerve" to the right during the landing roll. In an attempt to regain control of the airplane, the flight instructor added full engine power to go-around. The airplane ground looped, pitched forward, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident sequence, and the instructor did not report any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Attention / Monitoring
• Delayed Action

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• FAA Inspector's Statementinterview
• Photo 1 - Main Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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