NTSB Factual Report

On October 12, 2004, at 1300 mountain standard time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N50338, ground looped after landing at Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport (INW), Winslow, Arizona. The pilot/owner operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that departed La Cholla Airpark (57AZ), Tucson, Arizona, at 1115. No flight plan had been filed.

In the pilot's written statement (Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report NTSB Form 6120.1/2), he said there were no problems encountered with the flight. During the final approach, about a half-mile from touchdown, he encountered a strong 30-degree roll to the right. He attributed the roll to turbulence, and corrected for it. The pilot stated that the landing was a "normal" 3-point touchdown. During the landing rollout the left wing lifted up, and he corrected with left aileron input. The pilot reported that the "left wing dropped hard," and the airplane rotated counterclockwise about 270 degrees and ground looped. The right main landing gear sheared off, the right wing tip was wrinkled, and the tail was damaged. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems encountered with the airplane or engine. The pilot reported the winds as out of the north at 7 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout that resulted in a ground loop.