Incident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during a takeoff attempt in a left crosswind. The pilot, who held an airline transport pilot certificate, was aware of the crosswind conditions, which were near the airplane's operational limits.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report, takeoff power was applied, and approximately 350 feet into the takeoff roll, the tailwheel lifted off the runway surface. The airplane then began to veer to the left. In response, the pilot reduced engine power to idle and attempted to correct the left turn using the brakes and flight controls. Despite these efforts, the airplane ground looped to the left, causing the right wing to strike the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over.
Damage
The nose-over resulted in damage to the propeller, the right wing, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder.
Wind Conditions
The reported wind conditions were a direct left crosswind at 14 knots, with gusts reaching 21 knots.