Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing rollout, he encountered a gusting right crosswind that lifted the right wing. As the airplane weathervaned to the right, the pilot applied left rudder input, but was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane veered off the runway to the right and subsequently ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.