Classic Aircraft Corp WACO YMF N89B accident near Dunnellon, Florida

Probable cause

The certified flight instructor’s delayed response to the student pilot's loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a ground-loop. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's loss of directional control.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot was receiving instruction in a tailwheel-equipped biplane from a certified flight instructor (CFI). During the second landing, the student pilot landed the airplane on the runway fast and bounced; the airplane started to veer left. The student pilot corrected with right rudder application. The CFI applied full left rudder when the airplane veered to the right again, which had no effect on the airplane’s direction of travel; the student pilot then applied right brake during the CFI’s correction. The airplane continued right until it ground-looped. The biplane incurred substantial damage to both upper wings and the left lower wing. The flight crew reported no mechanical deficiencies prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA076 for the full record.