NTSB Factual Report

The pilot-rated student had recently returned to flying after a long absence, and he hired a flight instructor to assist him in becoming familiar/proficient with a recently purchased tailwheel-equipped airplane. Although not proficient, the pilot did possess a current tailwheel endorsement. During landing, the pilot said he over corrected, and the airplane ground-looped, sustaining substantial damage to the left aileron.

The instructor involved in the accident, said he had been asked to sit in during the absence of the pilot's primary instructor, and he overestimated the pilot's ability and did not take control of the airplane.

Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing, resulting in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to adequately monitor the landing.