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 reported that he performed a wheel landing on the concrete runway surface. During the landing roll with the tailwheel on the ground, the airplane swerved right, and he corrected with left rudder and left brake. The left wing and left elevator struck the ground. The pilot was able to regain control of the airplane and taxi to the parking area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. 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 in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he performed a wheel landing on the concrete runway surface. During the landing roll, with the tailwheel on the ground, the airplane swerved to the right and he corrected with left rudder and left brake. The airplane's left wing and left elevator struck the ground. He was able to regain control of the airplane and taxi to the parking. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.