Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing rollout, the airplane encountered a strong wind gust and subsequently veered to the right. The pilot applied corrective control inputs; however, the airplane ground looped, and the left wing contacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage. Reported wind conditions 21 minutes prior to the accident were variable at 6 kts and wind conditions 39 minutes after the accident were from 280° at 4 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.