Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed from a dry, paved runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane; the takeoff required a correction for a 5-knot, right crosswind. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left, and he applied right rudder to correct the veer, but the airplane subsequently ground looped to the left. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was departing from a dry, paved runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, which required a correction for a 5 knot, right crosswind. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll the airplane began to veer to the left, and he applied right rudder to correct the veer, but the airplane subsequently ground-looped to the left. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot elected not to complete and submit an NTSB form 6120.1 as requested.