Incident Description
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, resulting in substantial damage. According to the pilot, during the landing flare the airplane began to roll to the left. The pilot applied right aileron to counteract the roll and provide wind correction. However, as the airplane decelerated during the landing roll, it lacked rudder authority to counteract a gust of wind from the right. Consequently, the airplane ground looped 180 degrees to the right, and the left main landing gear collapsed.
Damage Assessment
The collapse of the left main landing gear resulted in substantial damage to the outboard portion of the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. No other damage is reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. This suggests that the airplane was functioning properly before the incident.
Weather Conditions
Recorded wind velocity at a nearby airport about the time of the accident was 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. The specific direction of the wind is not specified in the report, but the gust was from the right relative to the airplane's landing direction.