Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after conducting a three-point landing, during the landing roll, the wind changed direction and lifted the left wing, and the airplane ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after a 3-point landing, during the landing roll, the wind changed direction, lifted the left wing, and the airplane ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was 200º at 7 knots and about 35 minutes after the accident, the wind was 230 at 7 knots. The pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind shifted to a right crosswind. The airplane landed on runway 36.