Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare in gusting wind and subsequent loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the flare for landing, the airplane encountered a wind gust and the airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane veered to the left and subsequently ground looped off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.