Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout in a gusty, crosswind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The automatic terminal information service reported that a crosswind existed with gusts up to 20 knots. The pilot said the air traffic controller confirmed the gusty wind conditions. The pilot stated that he approached and touched down using a left wing low wheel landing technique. Initially, the airplane was aligned with the runway’s centerline. After decreasing engine power and lowering the tailwheel, the pilot lost directional control. The right wing tip impacted the runway’s surface, and adjacent structural wing and aileron components were bent as the airplane veered off the runway and ground looped. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the airport control tower provided wind information to him while he was in the traffic pattern for runway 31. The automatic terminal information service (ATIS) reported that the wind was from 270 degrees at 14 knots, with gusts to 20 knots. The pilot stated that he approached and touched down on the runway while using a left wing low wheel landing technique. Initially, the airplane was aligned with the runway’s centerline. After decreasing engine power and lowering the tailwheel, he lost directional control. The pilot opined that he encountered a wind gust. The right wing tip impacted the runway’s surface, and adjacent structural wing and aileron components were bent as the airplane veered off the runway and ground looped.