Stinson 108-2 N9564K accident near Martinsville, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a wheel landing in crosswind conditions and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop on the runway.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was flying with a flight instructor and was working towards his tailwheel endorsement. During a wheel landing attempt with a direct crosswind from the left, the airplane swerved, and the pilot attempted to make a correction by applying right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped before the flight instructor could take control of the airplane, and the left wing and left elevator struck the runway surface. Following the ground loop, the pilot continued the taxi to the ramp without further incident. The fuselage, left wing, and left elevator sustained substantial damage. The pilot and flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA052 for the full record.