Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a collision with an airport sign and subsequent ground-loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, due to a quartering tailwind, he conducted a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane was pushed toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the drift by applying full right rudder and power to no avail. The airplane subsequently struck a sign along the edge of the runway and ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the aft fuselage. 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 reported that due to a quartering tailwind, he conducted a wheel landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane was pushed toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with full right rudder and power to correct the drift, but to no avail. The airplane subsequently struck a sign along the edge of the runway and ground looped, substantially damaging the aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.