Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180H near Conroe, TX — 2012-02-21

Final reportCEN12LA168
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Date
2012-02-21
Location
Conroe, TX, USA
Airport
CXO
Aircraft
CESSNA 180H
Registration
N3SM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed intervention and the pilot’s lack of experience in tailwheel airplanes.

NTSB narrative

During a personal flight, the flight instructor, who occupied the right seat, allowed the private pilot, who occupied the left seat, to practice landings in the tailwheel airplane. During the second landing, the airplane veered sharply off the runway centerline. The flight instructor took over the controls but was unable to regain directional control of the airplane. The left wingtip contacted the runway, and the airplane ground looped.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Left seat pilot should have had a tailwheel endorsement for better control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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