Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was in the second airplane of a formation flight. During the landing roll, the airplane veered left, ground looped, and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. 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, during a formation flight landing as the second airplane, during the landing roll, the airplane veered left, ground looped left, and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing and right aileron. 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 five minutes prior to the accident, the winds were 320º at 3 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1, as requested.