Amateur-built AL18 N859SS accident near Ridgeland, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.

NTSB analysis

During the decent, the pilot-rated passenger stated that the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane asked him if he wanted to attempt a landing. He accepted with the condition that the pilot remain on the flight controls with him. During touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the pilot took control of the airplane from the pilot-rated passenger. The airplane bounced again and then ground loop. The airplane’s right wing and right horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA374 for the full record.