NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported he planned on making a wheel landing at a higher than normal airspeed due to the anticipated strong surface wind. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, after the tailwheel settled to the ground, he noticed that the wind velocity was less than he anticipated and that his ground speed was "pretty fast." According to the pilot, due to the increased groundspeed, the wings were still producing some lift and although the gear remained on the runway, the full weight of the airplane was not on the landing gear. The pilot stated the airplane swerved to the right and he was able to regain directional control. The airplane then swerved to the left and the pilot was not able to regain directional control which resulted in a ground loop. The tailwheel traveled into the grass alongside the runway, and the right wing and right stabilizer contacted the ground. The pilot was able to taxi the airplane back onto the runway, however; he stated it would not taxi straight. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane prior to the accident. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll which resulted in the airplane ground looping.