Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 16016; Flight Crew Type 350
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors
[Private pilot] had requested I provide him with additional flight instruction in his tailwheel conversion [aircraft]. I reviewed [the pilot's] logbook which showed he already had received four hours of training including take offs; landings; and taxiing the aircraft. I then observed his handling of the aircraft during our flight from ZZZ; where he had purchased it; to ZZZ1. Prior to the training flight; I provided several hours of ground instruction; observed him while he taxied the aircraft and briefed him before starting the abort training. He performed the takeoff roll well; but upon aborting the takeoff; he over-corrected and lost control. Although I tried to correct; since the aircraft was not equipped with brakes on the right side; I didn't have sufficient control to correct for his inputs. The left main gear collapsed causing damage to the aircraft; but fortunately no one was injured. In future; I will make sure that I have brake when flying with a student.
I had requested instruction in a tailwheel conversion aircraft that I had recently purchased and performed approximately 7 hours of training in prior to the event. I was still working towards my tailwheel endorsement. Prior training consisted of takeoffs; landings; and taxiing. In order to gain further instruction near my home location; I contacted [an] Instructor Pilot to assist me in transporting the aircraft from ZZZ to ZZZ1. Prior to flying; we conducted several hours of ground instruction regarding tailwheel flying; ground handling; and commenced additional training.We started training by performing an aborted takeoff. Conditions were optimal for training with calm winds and clear skies. The initial takeoff roll was performed satisfactorily tracking the centerline of the runway. While attempting to abort the takeoff; I was not able to maintain directional control of the aircraft which is believed to be due to over-control of the rudder. The Instructor was not able to correct the departure and a ground loop occurred. As the ground loop progressed; the left main gear collapsed underneath aircraft. The propeller struck the runway as well as the left wingtip. Additionally; the frame of the aft fuselage was bent.I made the judgment that this aircraft would be suitable for initial tailwheel instruction. I understood that these events can occur in a tailwheel aircraft and had a perception that the Instructor would be able to take control and correct for any mistakes I made during the learning process. In retrospect; I believe that I would have been better suited gaining tailwheel familiarity in a lower performance tailwheel aircraft. Additionally; the aircraft was not equipped with brakes on the instructor's side and it would have been beneficial if [the Instructor] was able to use brakes to aid in the recovery of the ground loop before the gear collapsed.Lastly; it is my understanding that there is a modification which can be made to the landing gear of this aircraft in which a supporting truss member is welded connecting the two existing structural members to increase the strength of the gear and prevent or delay the buckling of the inner member and collapse of the landing gear. This modification may have helped to prevent the extent of the damage incurred during this event.
Tailwheel aircraft trainee and instructor pilot reported a loss of control and ground loop resulted in damage to the aircraft.