Ground Loop During Touch-and-Go Landing Damages Left Wing

Incident Overview

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll of a touch-and-go landing, he reconfigured the flaps for takeoff. The airplane then veered sharply to the right. The pilot attempted to recover by applying full left rudder and brake, but the airplane ground looped to the right and exited the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The pilot noted that the automated weather observation station at the airport reported light and variable winds with no gusts about 20 minutes before the accident. The airplane had landed on runway 05.