NTSB Factual Report

The airplane encountered a wind gust and ground looped during the pilot's attempted landing. In a written statement, the pilot reported that prior to landing at the destination airport, he received the automated weather information. It reported winds were at 11 knots gusting to 17 knots. While on short final to the active runway, the airplane encountered a wind shear and crosswind gusts. The airplane descended rapidly and the pilot added full engine power in an attempt to abort the landing. The airplane drifted to the right of the runway centerline and he realized that it would not be able to achieve the performance necessary to climb out. The pilot retarded the throttle to idle and elected to land. The right wing contacted uneven terrain adjacent to the runway; the airplane ground looped.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. The left and right wing sustained damage during the accident sequence.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions and failure to maintain proper runway alignment that resulted in dragging a wing and ground looping. Also causal was the pilot's delayed decision to abort the landing.