NTSB Factual Report

The 4,300-hour commercial pilot, who reported having accumulated a total of 112-hours in same make and model, lost directional control of the tailwheel-equipped single-engine airplane during the landing roll on runway 26R. Runway 26R was described as a 5,493-foot long, by 75-foot wide asphalt runway. The ferry flight originated at Glendale, Arizona, at about 1100 that morning. Due to the relatively short range of the 1946 vintage airplane, the pilot made two intermediate refueling stops. The mishap occurred during the landing at the at the end of a long 316-nautical mile cross country flight. The pilot stated in the completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the last leg of the flight was conducted at 7,500 feet and despite the fully functioning cabin heater, he was feeling "cold" and "tired." During the landing roll, the airplane began to drift to the left and the pilot compensated by applying right rudder. While attempting to compensate for the drift, the pilot's foot became lodged behind the right rudder pedal and the pilot lost directional control resulting in a ground-loop. The right main landing gear collapsed under the side load and the right wing sustained structural damage. Weather at the time of the mishap was reported as clear skies, 10 miles visibility, temperature 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind from 315 degrees at 7 knots. Prior to the initiation of the cross country flight, the pilot completed 1.5 hours of instruction on his airplane, which included 6 takeoff and landings.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's foot becoming lodged behind the right rudder pedal which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing.