NTSB Factual Report

On March 23, 2001, at 1100 central standard time, an Aviat A-1B Husky tail wheel-equipped aircraft, N304C, was substantially damaged when it ground looped while landing at the Odessa-Schlemeyer Field, Odessa, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Odessa-Schlemeyer Field, approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 02. During the second landing roll, the pilot overcompensated on the rudder controls, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. The airplane ground looped and contacted the ground with the left wing. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left wing's spar was bent up approximately 30 degrees outboard of the lift strut.

At 1053, the weather observation facility at the Midland International Airport (located 11 miles east of the Odessa Airport), reported the wind from 110 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 18 degrees Celsius, dew point 8 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.04 inches of mercury.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), under the section titled "Recommendation (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented)," the pilot wrote "proper application and proper degree of application of ailerons and rudder."

NTSB Probable Cause

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