Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that shortly after touchdown, he "lost directional control" to the right, attempted to correct with left rudder and brake inputs, but was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to veer off the runway to the right, ground looped, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that shortly after touchdown, he "lost directional control" to the right, attempted to correct with left rudder and brake inputs, but was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to veer off the runway to the right, ground looped, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.