Accident Details
A certificated commercial pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on runway 24 at Merrill Field, a paved runway. According to the pilot, a sudden wind shift occurred just after touchdown, causing a loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently ground looped to the right.
Damage and Final Position
During the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Wind Conditions
At the time of the accident, the reported wind at Merrill Field was from 216 degrees magnetic at 8 knots.