Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a loss of directional control while landing a single-engine aircraft in crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground loop and the failure of the left main landing gear.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at the airport, the pilot was advised by the Unicom operator that Runway 21 was the active runway. After landing, a passenger boarded the aircraft, and the pilot took off again. He proceeded to fly a traffic pattern around the airport and initiated another landing on Runway 21.
Meteorological Conditions
The wind was reported as 290 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 20 knots. This created a crosswind component for the intended landing on Runway 21.
Landing and Loss of Control
During the landing attempt with the crosswind, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft entered a ground loop, a violent sideways rotation, and the left main landing gear failed as a result.
Airport Information
The airport featured two turf runways: Runway 9/27, which was 1,810 feet long, and Runway 15/33, which was 2,000 feet long. Despite these runways, the active runway in use was Runway 21.
Damage
The accident resulted in the failure of the left main landing gear. No other damage details were provided.