The pilot reported that as the tailwheel was contacting the ground, a "sudden gust of wind" lifted the right wing and the airplane weathervaned to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and exited the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system on the accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 270° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.