NTSB Factual Report

On May 15, 2005, about 1313 Alaska daylight time, N8275U, a tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, sustained substantial damage during landing at the Dillingham Airport, Dillingham, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area instructional flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The first pilot, a certificated flight instructor, seated in the rear seat, and the second pilot, a student pilot, seated in the front seat, were not injured. The accident airplane was owned by the second pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Dillingham Airport, Dillingham, about 1300.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on May 16, the first pilot reported that he was providing flight instruction to the second pilot. The first pilot said that just after landing on runway 1, a dry, paved runway, which required a correction for a left crosswind, the second pilot allowed the airplane to veer slightly to the right of the runway centerline. He said that he took control of the airplane in an attempt to realign the airplane, but the airplane ground looped to the left, and the airplane's right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane's right wing struck the surface of the runway, and sustained structural damage. The first pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Dillingham Airport weather observation at the time of the accident consisted of: Sky conditions and ceiling, 2,100 feet broken, 3,100 feet overcast; visibility, 20 statute miles; wind, 100 degrees (magnetic) at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, and the dual student's failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were a crosswind, and an inadvertent ground loop.