NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the airplane reported that the en route portion of the cross-country flight was uneventful and conditions were "good." Following a normal approach and landing, he lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane ground-looped and came to rest at the right edge of the runway, in the grass. The left main landing gear separated from the fuselage and the left wing and propeller contacted the ground during the accident sequence.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.