Piper PA-22-150 N7807D accident near Pahrump, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent activation of brakes upon touchdown, resulting in a loss of directional control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had recently purchased the airplane and was practicing full stall [stop?] landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. During his sixth landing of the day, he decided to try a wheel landing. As the airplane touched down, it was responding erratically and pulled to the left toward the runway edge lights. The pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full throttle; however, the airplane exited the runway edge and the left main landing gear struck sage brush. The airplane subsequently ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that examination of the runway revealed a long curved skid mark from the left main landing gear, as if he were touching the brake. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA030 for the full record.