N7227DPiper PA-22-150 · 1957

The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard surfaced runway. About 6 inches above the runway, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, the left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane began to turn to the left. He said he was unable to correct for the turn with rudder, and the airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing on the ground. The airplane received substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He stated that the accident could have been prevented had a go-around decision been made at the initial recognition of the wind gust.

The solo private pilot was taking off on a personal local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot said during the takeoff roll it felt like a gust was pushing him toward the left side of the runway. He said he corrected with right rudder, but was unable to correct for the right turn. He said the airplane ground-looped to the right, striking the left wing on the ground. He said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the left wing was structurally damaged during the ground-loop.