Accident Details
A pilot was landing a tailwheel airplane on a private gravel airstrip. The landing direction was to the south. The pilot reported a direct crosswind from the east, which would be perpendicular to the landing direction, with a wind speed of 5 to 10 knots. During the landing roll, immediately after the wheels contacted the gravel surface, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft then ground-looped to the left.
Damage Description
The ground loop caused the right main landing gear to become bent. Additionally, the right wing impacted the ground, and the outboard four feet of that wing separated from the rest of the wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear and wing structure.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot indicated that the airplane was operating normally throughout the flight until the loss of control after touchdown.