Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, following a personal flight, he made a three-point landing on runway 16. He recalled that, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust, and following touchdown, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and ground looped to the left. The airplane slid down an embankment, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and aileron. The METAR at the airport reported that the wind was from 180° at 5 knots with 10 statute miles visibility and clear skies. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that following a personal flight he made a three-point landing on runway 16. He recalled that during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust, and following touch down the airplane exited the left side of the runway and ground looped to the left. The airplane slid down an embankment and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and aileron. The METAR at the airport, reported that the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, with 10 statute miles visibility and clear skies. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.