WPR10CA368

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a wind gust during the landing roll.

While on final approach to the destination runway, the pilot noted that the windsock indicated a variable crosswind. The airplane touched down normally, in a tail-low configuration with the upwind-wing lowered to accommodate the crosswind. As the airplane was on the landing roll it passed by a hangar, where the pilot maneuvered the controls to adjust for the sudden no-wind condition. Just prior to the tailwheel making contact with the runway surface, the airplane passed a gap between two hangars and correspondingly encountered a gusty crosswind. The airplane partially ground-looped, with the right wing contacting the surface. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the airport, issued around the time of the accident, reported winds from 230 degrees at 03 knots.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that while on final approach to the destination runway, he noted the windsock indicating a variable crosswind. The airplane touched down normally, in a tail-low configuration with the upwind-wing lowered to accommodate the crosswind. As the airplane was on the landing roll it passed by a hangar, where the pilot maneuvered the controls to adjust for the sudden no-wind condition. Just prior to the tail wheel making contact with the runway surface, the airplane passed a gap between two hangars and correspondingly encountered a gusty crosswind. The airplane partially ground-looped, with the right wing contacting the surface. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. As a result of the accident, the airplane incurred damage to the right wing. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the airport, issued around the time of the accident, reported winds from 230 degrees at 03 knots.