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 reported that, during landing, the main landing gear touched down, followed by the tailwheel, and the airplane veered left. He corrected with right rudder, but the airplane continued left, exited the runway, and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right 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, during landing, the main landing gear touched down followed by the tailwheel, and the airplane veered left. He corrected with right rudder, but the airplane continued left, exited the runway to the left, and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.