The pilot reported that, during a biennial flight review, as the tailwheel touched down on landing at the airport in Anacortes, Washington, the Bellanca veered to the right.
He added he was unable to correct quickly enough to prevent the airplane from exiting the runway to the right.
The right main landing gear exited the runway, and the airplane ground looped to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA165
This March 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
