Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo private pilot was taking off on a personal local flight. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll it felt like a gust was pushing him toward the left side of the runway. He corrected with right rudder, but was unable to correct for the right turn. The airplane then ground-looped to the right, striking the left wing on the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The left wing was structurally damaged during the ground-loop.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo private pilot was taking off on a personal local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot said during the takeoff roll it felt like a gust was pushing him toward the left side of the runway. He said he corrected with right rudder, but was unable to correct for the right turn. He said the airplane ground-looped to the right, striking the left wing on the ground. He said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the left wing was structurally damaged during the ground-loop.