NTSB Factual Report

On June 29, 2005, about 1145 mountain standard time, a Stinson 108-2, N8000K, ground looped during landing rollout at the Ernest A. Love Field Airport, Prescott, Arizona. The pilot-owner operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal cross-country flight departed Falcon Field Airport, Mesa, Arizona, about 1038, with a planned destination of Prescott. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the landing rollout on 21L, he experienced a strong pull toward the right. He then applied left rudder to counteract the right pulling force. Shortly thereafter, the airplane turned off the paved runway to the left, at which time the right main landing gear wheel dug into the turf causing the right wing tip to come down and strike the ground. The airplane's final resting position was opposite the direction of the landing.

The pilot reported that the turbulence in the traffic pattern was moderate. He checked the windsock prior to landing and observed a southwest wind with some variability in direction.

An aviation routine weather report (METAR) issued for Prescott at 1253, reported that the winds were variable at 4 knots.

The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.