Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, in gusting crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, the airplane experienced a wind gust from the right. The airplane veered to the right and the pilot attempted to regain directional control using rudder and aileron inputs. The airplane continued to the right, exited the runway surface and ground looped. The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 17 with wind from 260° at 6 knots, gusting to 20 knots.