Accident Details
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop after the pilot encountered a wind shift during the landing flare. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the flare, a wind shift pushed the airplane left of the runway centerline. In response, the pilot applied opposite rudder, but the airplane touched down "skewed," oriented to the right. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the right and ground looped on the adjacent field. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
At the accident site, the pilot reported variable winds at 6 knots. During the short final leg of the approach, the wind was from about 210°, shifting to about 280° during the flare. The automated weather observation station at the airport recorded wind from 310° at 9 knots approximately 20 minutes before the accident, and wind from 180° at 8 knots about 30 minutes after the accident. The airplane was landing on runway 20.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.