NTSB Factual Report

After landing in a tail-wheel equipped airplane the certificated flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot, who was receiving instruction in the airplane, were requested by the airport’s control tower to exit the runway. Based on the airplane’s speed and that they had already passed the intersection taxiway, the private pilot reported, “unable”. The CFI stated that at that point the tower requested that they exit the active runway “as soon as possible”. The CFI added that the private pilot tried to exit the active runway; however, the airplane’s speed was too fast during the turn, causing the airplane to “ground-loop”. The pilots noted that during the ground-loop, the airplane’s left gear, left wing tip, and left elevator had sustained substantial damage. The CFI also reported no malfunctions to the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The private pilot’s loss of control during the landing roll and the certificated flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop.