American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC N291CA accident near Sanford, Maine

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor was providing instruction to the pilot toward a tailwheel endorsement. During their second flight of the day, the flight instructor demonstrated a normal traffic pattern and 3-point landing, after which the pilot flew the subsequent traffic pattern and landing approach. As the pilot attempted a 3-point landing, the airplane touched down with slight drift. The pilot attempted to correct the drift but applied excessive right and then left rudder control inputs. The airplane subsequently ground looped and sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The 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 ERA26LA282 for the full record.