Scout 8GCBC pilot reported a loss of control during landing resulted in a ground loop in gusty conditions.

Date: 2022-12 · Aircraft: Scout 8GCBC · Phase: landing

Anomalies: deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|ground-event-encounter-weather-turbulence|ground-excursion-runway|inflight-event-encounter-weather-turbulence

Synopsis

Scout 8GCBC pilot reported a loss of control during landing resulted in a ground loop in gusty conditions.

Narrative

I was at ZZZ to practice full-stop; taxi-back takeoff and landings. Initially; winds favored Runway XX; winds 020 at 6 kt.; with some rogue gusts to 12. Four takeoff and taxi-backs were accomplished on Runway XX - 2 wheel landings and 2 3-point landings. All were excellent landings and taxi-backs. The wind shifted; not unusual at this airport; around to west-southwest; still in the 6-kt. range. It reports variable much of the time. My 5th takeoff was on Runway XX but GA traffic was now taxiing to Runway XY. AWOS reporting wind direction of 180 degrees in its switch to west-southwest. I took off and reported that I would leave the airport environment and re-enter the right downwind for Runway XY. I did 1 wheel landing and came around the pattern for what was to be my last landing; after which I would taxi to the air park. This airport is known for rogue gusts as it sits on a hill with the south side of the runway having rising terrain; which seems to create gusts at the numbers on [the] Runway XY approach. I was set up fine for the final landing and just prior to touchdown - 3-point type - a gust rotated the aircraft and I was not able to get it straight even after the touchdown; resulting in a loss of control. The aircraft began the proverbial ground loop which I could not stop and an excursion into the infield on the left side of the runway. Damage consisting of right wing; broken right main; bent left main; etc. Lessons learned; with a tailwheel you just can't be too careful. I had 5 great landings and I felt no different on this one. I have 250 hours of tail time so not a long time tailwheel guy and I believe the gust just got me and I didn't get it straightened out. Talking to old timers; the land beyond my landing spot; well beyond the runway stripe - because of this spot; seems to have rogue gusts on a regular basis. Much of the time AWOS reports variable wind instead of a direction because it is varying anywhere from 20 - 40 degrees. I did not have any local knowledge in my favor.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.