NTSB Factual Report

When the pilot approached his destination airport, the winds were reported to be from 280 degrees at 15 gusting to 27 knots with peak winds of 32 knots recorded near the time of the accident. The pilot performed a go-around on the first attempt to land on runway 1. After increasing the intended landing speed by 15 knots, the pilot performed a "normal wheel landing" in his tail-wheel equipped airplane. On roll-out, the airplane drifted left and the pilot was unable to correct the direction with ailerons and rudder. The pilot attempted to increase control authority by lowering the tail wheel, but was unable to maintain aircraft control. The airplane ground looped and departed the right side of the runway. The left gear sheared from the fuselage and the airplane came to rest in a grassy area between the runway and taxiway. Substantial damage was sustained to the gear box, left wing, and left aileron.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds during landing.