Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the tail-wheeled equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he encountered a wind gust. The airplane subsequently veered to the left and ground loop off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.