Accident Overview
During a taxi test in crosswind conditions, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane overcorrected, resulting in a ground loop. The airplane exited the runway to the right and came to rest in a nose-down attitude. The accident caused substantial damage to the firewall.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions occurred that would have precluded normal operation. In initial conversations, the pilot reported the event as a taxi test; however, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector later verified through discussions with local tower personnel that the airplane had been cleared for takeoff, indicating the pilot had intent for flight.
Weather Conditions
Automated weather observation at the accident airport, around the time of the event, recorded wind from 320° at 5 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 06, which aligns with a crosswind component relative to the wind direction.
Investigation
The FAA inspector noted that the pilot lost control during takeoff. The investigation did not identify any preaccident mechanical abnormalities with the airplane.