PT-17 N7995 accident near Heber City, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that shortly after touchdown, the airplane veered left. The pilot and flight instructor attempted to correct with opposite rudder, and aileron inputs, however, the airplane ground looped to the left, and exited the left side of the runway. During the ground loop, the right wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower right wing and aileron.

The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 22 with wind from 200° at 8 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA164 for the full record.