Accident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a cross-country flight encountered a ground loop during the landing roll, leading to substantial damage. The aircraft departed San Antonio, Texas, with two intermediate stops in Roswell and Farmington, New Mexico, before landing for a third time. The pilot's total flight time for the day was approximately 8.5 hours.
Weather Conditions
Prior to landing, the pilot checked the airport's automated weather observation, which reported a quartering right crosswind of about 8 knots. However, at the time of the accident, the automated weather observation system indicated wind from 240 degrees at 13 knots.
Accident Sequence
The approach and landing were uneventful. During the landing roll, a gust of wind struck the airplane, causing it to initiate a right turn. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane ground looped. The ground loop resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear and substantial damage to the left wing, fuselage, and empennage.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident.