Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Crosswind Landing

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing roll in a crosswind, the tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane weathervaned into the wind and departed the runway to the right. The subsequent runway excursion resulted in a ground loop, causing substantial damage to the left wing and elevator after impact with terrain.

Wind Conditions

An automated weather observing system located 12 nautical miles south of the airport recorded the wind at 250 degrees true at 7 knots near the time of the accident. The pilot reported landing on runway 20.

Mechanical Status

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.