Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after returning back from an approximate 45-minute local flight, he aligned the tailwheel equipped bi-plane for a landing on the active runway. The pilot noted there was an approximate 10-knot crosswind. During the landing roll, the airplane veered right and continued off the runway surface. The airplane ground looped which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear. As a result of the impact, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after returning back from an approximate 45-minute local flight, he aligned the tailwheel equipped bi-plane for a landing on the active runway. The pilot noted there was an approximate 10-knot crosswind. During the landing roll, the airplane veered right and continued off the runway surface. The airplane ground looped which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear. As a result of the impact, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.