Incident Description
During the landing roll, the airplane was subjected to a crosswind from the right, causing it to drift left of the runway centerline while remaining on the paved surface. As the aircraft traversed a crowned section of the runway, the pilot observed a steel drum directly ahead. Despite attempts, the pilot was unable to avoid the obstacle, and the airplane struck the drum. The impact led to a ground loop.
Runway Condition
The steel drum had been placed on the runway by unidentified individuals to mark an area of potholes. No Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had been issued to alert pilots of the obstruction. The runway was noted to be in a poor state of repair, including the presence of the crown and potholes.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to rest after the ground loop. The source does not specify the extent of damage or any injuries. The incident highlights the hazard of unmarked foreign objects on runways, particularly in combination with deteriorated surface conditions and crosswind operations.