Primary finding
Probable cause
A malfunction of the tailwheel which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll the tailwheel malfunctioned, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper left wing and lower right wing. The pilot submitted a photo taken just before touch down that showed the tailwheel not locked into position and was deflected to the left as the rudder was deflected to the right.