What happened
The private certificated pilot was conducting an approach and landing on runway 23. The operation required a correction for a left crosswind component. At the moment of touchdown, a strong gust of wind lifted the left wing of the aircraft. This aerodynamic disturbance caused the airplane to ground loop to the right.
During the ground loop event, the right wing and the right aileron struck the surface of the runway. The impact sustained structural damage to these components. At 1338, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting the wind as 180 degrees (true) at 15 knots, with peak gusts of 22 knots.
Findings
The investigation focused on the weather conditions and the pilot's report of the event. The strong crosswind gusts were a significant factor in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.