Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain/maintain directional control during landing that resulted in a ground-loop and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he performed two go-arounds after each approach for landing due to the wind upsetting his landing or the landing was not going to be smooth. During the third landing attempt, the approach felt more stable and within several seconds of landing touchdown, an aggressive ground loop to the left developed. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.