Instructional Flight Ends in Ground Loop Due to Crosswind

Incident Overview

An instructional flight ended with a ground loop after the aircraft became airborne during a crosswind takeoff. The pilot receiving instruction initiated the takeoff roll. Once the airplane lifted off, the nose immediately rotated into the wind. The flight instructor, who was supervising the maneuver, took control of the aircraft. He attempted to maintain directional control by applying right rudder, but the airplane touched down on the runway and subsequently ground looped. During the ground loop, the right wing impacted the runway, resulting in substantial damage.

Aircraft and Environmental Conditions

The flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The reported wind conditions at the time of the accident were from 110 degrees true at 12 knots. The runway heading was 180 degrees magnetic.