Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll, she added more aileron input to counteract a wind gust but just as quickly, the "crosswind died off." The airplane fishtailed so she aborted the takeoff and applied brakes, but the airplane veered right and ground looped.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing aft spar and engine mounts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 310° at 9 knots, gusting 17 knots. The airplane departed on runway 04.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA351