Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting takeoff and landing practice on runway 35 and had successfully completed two landings. During the subsequent takeoff roll, the pilot looked down to check the flap position. While doing so, the pilot inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal, causing the airplane to veer to the left.
Sequence of Events
After the unintended left rudder input, the pilot applied a correction to the right and pulled back on the throttle. Subsequently, the aircraft ground looped. As a result of the ground loop, the left wing and left elevator made contact with the grass runway surface.
Reported Conditions
The pilot reported that the wind was from 360 degrees at 2–5 knots during the event.