Cessna A185F N714TX accident near Trinca, New Jersey

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a ground-loop.

NTSB analysis

The pilot recently purchased the tailwheel airplane; however, he did not possess a tailwheel endorsement and was receiving flight instruction in his airplane. The pilot stated that he landed on a turf runway, and shortly after touchdown, the airplane rolled about 800 feet and the left main landing gear contacted a divot in the turf, which caused the airplane to yaw left. He tried to correct the yaw by applying right rudder and brake. The flight instructor then also applied rudder, aileron, and elevator control; however, they were unable to regain control and the airplane ground-looped. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, right main landing gear, and right side fuselage. The pilot further stated that the wind was calm and the airplane did not experience any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA356 for the full record.