Incident Overview
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a three-point landing, the airplane veered to the left almost immediately after touchdown. The aircraft then ground looped to the left, causing the right main landing gear to collapse. After the ground loop, the airplane came to rest facing 180° opposite of the landing direction in the grass off the left side of the runway.
Post-Accident Inspection
While loading the airplane onto a trailer for recovery, the pilot noticed a crack in the right gear leg, just above the weld to the axle. Approximately two-thirds of the fracture surface exhibited fresh metal, while the remaining one-third showed rust and corrosion.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and right aileron.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that around the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The pilot had landed on runway 20.