NTSB Factual Report

On April 7, 2006, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Cub Crafters CC18-180 airplane, N577CC, registered to and operated by the University of North Dakota, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight, ground looped upon landing at Tallahassee, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated flight instructor was not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Winter Haven, Florida, the same day, about 1500.

The pilot stated that his approach to land was normal, and there was about a 45-degree crosswind from the left. He said he landed the airplane on the centerline with a 3-point tailwheel landing, and began to decelerate. The airplane yawed quickly to the right about 45 degrees, and he corrected for the yaw, and then the airplane yawed abruptly to the left. He applied right rudder control input but was unable to arrest the yawing motion, and the airplane spun around, and ended up facing the approach end of the runway, on the runway centerline. He said the airplane incurred damage to the right wing, which struck the runway as the airplane spun to the left. Prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout while making a crosswind landing in gusting conditions which resulted in an advertent ground loop and damage to the airplane.