Amateur-built KITFOX 6 N524MB accident near Columbus, North Carolina

Probable cause

A loss of directional control during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot initially reported that, while landing his tailwheel-equipped, experimental, amateur-built airplane on the private 1,500-ft-long turf runway, he experienced a loss of directional control without any mechanical malfunctions. The airplane ground looped and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot later stated that the left main wheel axle had separated from the landing gear leg, which precipitated the loss of control. The airplane was not examined after the accident, and review of maintenance logbooks did not reveal any entries pertaining to work performed on the landing gear in the previous year. Because no further examination of the airplane was performed, the reason for the loss of directional control during landing could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA051 for the full record.