Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after touchdown he applied the brakes and the tail very abruptly "whipped around" 180°. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing tip struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.