Waco Classic Aircraft Corp 2T-1A-2 N53GL accident near Battle Creek, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel equipped airplane during a crosswind landing and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was receiving additional flight instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the landing with a crosswind, the airplane bounced and then settled onto the runway. The airplane veered to the right, so the pilot applied left rudder but overcorrected to the left. The pilot then relinquished the controls to the flight instructor. The flight instructor was unable to regain control and the airplane ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right wing rear spar and aileron. The pilot and flight instructor both reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA430 for the full record.