Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing, the biplane encountered a right crosswind, veered right off the runway, and ground looped. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the lower left wing and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, during landing, the airplane encountered a right crosswind, veered to the right off the runway, and ground looped to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower left wing and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 4 knots. The pilot added that he believed he encountered a dust devil. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 08.