Loss of directional control during practice landings results in ground loop (N85880)

What happened

The pilot was conducting local flight operations with the specific intent of practicing takeoffs and and landings. The initial two landing attempts proceeded without incident. However, during the third landing attempt, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. This loss of control caused the airplane to depart the runway surface and subsequently ground looped.

The investigation

Following the incident, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. The weather conditions at the time included surface winds from 010 degrees at approximately 5 to 10 knots.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll. The aircraft departed the paved surface and executed an uncontrolled ground loop. No mechanical failures contributed to the event.