Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control while landing with a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing roll with about 5 knots of crosswind, the airplane turned to the left, and the pilot tried to correct the turn by adding control inputs. However, the airplane ground looped to the left and came to rest on the side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that he had landed the airplane in the past with much stronger crosswinds and felt comfortable with the conditions at the time.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot and two passengers returned to the airport after a short sight-seeing flight. On landing, the airplane had about 5 knots of crosswind. The airplane turned to the left and the pilot tried to correct the turn by adding control inputs. However, the airplane continued to turn left into a ground loop. The airplane came to rest on the side of the runway, with substantial damage to its wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that he had landed the airplane in the past with much stronger crosswinds and felt comfortable with the conditions at the time.