State College, PA, USA
N1576A
Piper PA-20-135
The pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that the landing was normal and during the landing roll-out while on the runway, he applied light braking to make a 180-degree turn. The airplane ground looped to the left causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to contact the runway. According to FAA personnel who examined the airplane, the main spar of the left wing was bent upward. A repair estimated provided by a mechanic who performed a visual inspection of the airplane indicated the left wing needed to be replaced. Pictures provided to NTSB by the mechanic showed wrinkling of the fabric on the upper surface of the left wing. The wrinkling was located at a 45-degree angle between 3 ribs.
The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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