Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control after an encounter with a wind gust during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and a passenger departed from a private airport in a tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane, destined for a public airport about 3 miles to the south. The pilot reported that he performed a "short field" landing to a full stop on runway 12 and then began a takeoff from the stopping point. The airplane veered to the right, the pilot applied corrective inputs, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and ground looped. Both wings sustained substantial damage. The weather about the time of the accident included wind from 360 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions and that he lost control due to a wind gust.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot and his passenger departed from the private airport in the tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane, destined for a public airport about 3 miles to the south. The pilot reported that he conducted a "short field" landing to a full stop on runway 12, and then began a takeoff from the stopping point. The airplane veered to the right, the pilot applied corrective inputs, but the airplane then exited the left side of the runway, and ground looped. Both outboard wings sustained substantial damage. Neither occupant was injured. The weather about the time of the accident included wind from 360 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions, and that he lost control due to a wind gust.