What happened
Following the completion of aerial application operations, the pilot attempted a northbound takeoff from a private airstrip. At the time of the departure, an approaching thunderstorm cell was present in the area, accompanied by heavy rain.
During the takeoff roll, local winds shifted to a southwesterly direction at approximately 20 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots. Data from a nearby weather observation station confirmed this shift, noting that winds had transitioned from north-northwesterly at 10 knots at 1800 to southwesterly at 27 knots, gusting to 32 knots, by 1900.
As these conditions developed, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. This resulted in a ground loop, which caused the collapse of the right main landing gear and damage to the right wing. The pilot was not injured during the event.