Flight Details
The pilot of a Cessna 195 was conducting a familiarization flight with the airplane's owner. After approximately one hour of practicing maneuvers, they returned to the departure airport to perform full stop landings.
Approach and Landing
Prior to entering the traffic pattern, the pilot announced via radio his intention to execute a go-around on the first approach to runway 32. The purpose was to check wind drift and attain the proper landing attitude. The pilot estimated the wind at 240 degrees and 6 to 8 knots, which he considered within his recent tail wheel experience.
After the go-around, the pilot continued in the traffic pattern and initiated a second approach, intending to make a full stop landing. The touchdown was described as normal, without any excessive bounce. The pilot maintained directional control for the first few seconds after touchdown.
Loss of Control
Shortly thereafter, the airplane ground looped, departed the side of the runway, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot believed that he had not fully retarded the power and that a greater-than-normal wind shift occurred as the rudder became less effective.