What happened
During the landing phase, the pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane performed a full stall three-point landing directly over the runway centerline. Following touchdown, while the throttle remained at idle, the aircraft traveled approximately 20 to 30 feet before the right wing lifted.
As the right main landing gear left the runway surface, the pilot applied right aileron and right rudder inputs. These corrections were insufficient to counteract a leftward veer, causing the aircraft to enter a counterclockwise, 180-degree ground loop. The event resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's wing spar.
The investigation
The investigation found no reports of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures regarding the aircraft.