Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction's incorrect brake usage and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a three-point landing touchdown, the airplane pulled to the left, and he heard a "pop." He added that the pilot who was flying and receiving instruction "locked up" the right brake. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway surface to the right and ground looped.
During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, the pilot receiving instruction reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the left, and he applied right brake to correct. He added that, upon braking, he heard the left tire blow, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The flight instructor reported that the tire "inner tube" on the left main landing gear failed during the landing roll.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA224 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Woodruff, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Lakeland/Noble F Lee Memorial (ARV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N9363K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.