Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane directional control during a gusty crosswind landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting a full stop landing in the tailwheel airplane during gusty crosswind conditions. The pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the left wing, but he was able to make a three-point landing. During the landing roll another gust of wind lifted the left wing so the pilot added right rudder and left aileron inputs, but the airplane continued off the runway. The pilot added right brake and the airplane ground looped. The right landing gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not list any preimpact mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane during the flight.