Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 26.1; Flight Crew Total 409; Flight Crew Type 10.2
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
While receiving dual instruction I bounced the landing of my Pitts S-2B. The instructor declared; 'I have the airplane;' took control of the aircraft and attempted to salvage the landing. This resulted in a ground loop which damaged the landing gear. There were no injuries or property damage. After reviewing CFR 14; Part 830; Sub-part B; 830.5 we determined that an initial report to the NTSB was not required as there was no property damage or injuries. It took nearly two hours to locate personnel and equipment necessary to move the aircraft. During this time the aircraft was just off the runway and presented a potential hazard to landing and departing traffic. The Local Airport Management seemed to be unclear about their reporting requirements and debated about moving the aircraft. They chose to post an individual with a hand-held aviation radio to watch for traffic and provide advisories. Perhaps a nation-wide 800 number and posted placards for reporting potential hazards could have ensured immediate dissemination of the potential risk.
A Pitts pilot bounced the aircraft during landing and the instructor was unable to salvage the landing; resulting in a ground loop and damage to the landing gear.