What happened
The pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 26 and conducted a normal approach, utilizing approximately 10 to 15 degrees of right crab to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. The aircraft touched down on the centerline at speeds appropriate for a 3-point landing. Following the retraction of flaps and a brief period of braking, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The airspeed was insufficient to attempt a go-around maneuver. This loss of control resulted in a ground loop that caused substantial damage to the left wing, the left main landing gear, and the forward fuselage.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies. Wind conditions reported approximately seven minutes prior to the accident were 340 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts up to 20 knots.