Silvaire LUSCOMBE 8A N28437 accident near Burlington, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and ground loop.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he was practicing stop and go landings on an asphalt runway. He reported that during the third landing, he continued his landing roll to turn off the runway. He reported that he applied the brakes in order to slow down, but inadvertently applied too much pressure to both heel brakes. He recalled that due to the excessive braking the airplane veered right, and then veered left and the airplane subsequently exited the runway to the left and ground looped. Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA193 for the full record.