What happened
During the landing phase on Runway 17, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane lost control of the aircraft while encountering a prevailing crosswind. The winds at the time of the accident were reported as variable at 5 knots. In an attempt to maintain directional control, the pilot applied the brakes and full right rudder; however, the aircraft could not be kept within the 150-foot wide runway boundaries.
The aircraft subsequently entered a ground loop and exited the runway surface. During this maneuver, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing to contact the ground. The aircraft came to rest upright in the grass. There were 2 occupants on board, both of whom were not injured and were able to exit the airplane normally.
Findings
Following the accident, the pilot provided a recommendation on NTSB Form 6120 to assist in preventing similar occurrences. The pilot suggested that applying the right rudder and right brake earlier in the landing sequence could help prevent the aircraft from entering a ground loop.