Amateur-built GH125 N79GH accident near Valkaria, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to exit the paved runway into soft terrain, which resulted in a ground loop and landing gear collapse.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he exited the runway as soon as possible due to student traffic in the pattern. The runway had no parallel taxiway, and he underestimated the softness of the terrain next to the runway. He added that the right main landing gear dug in, the airplane ground looped, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose-down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that he should have stayed on the paved runway until reaching the taxiway exit.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA182 for the full record.