What happened
A solo private pilot was performing a landing on runway 33 in a tailwheel equipped airplane on a paved runway. According to the pilot, the wind conditions at the time of the accident necessitated corrections for a 10-knot left crosswind originating from 240 degrees.
During the landing roll, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the right. In response, the pilot overcorrected to the left. During this maneuver, the right main wheel grabbed the surface, causing the airplane to undergo a ground loop to the left. As the aircraft looped, the right wing struck a runway light, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. The pilot was not injured.
Weather observations from Merrill Field at 0853 on April 15 reported scattered clouds at 6,500 feet, visibility of 10 statute miles, and winds from 320 degrees at 5 knots.