20230516007209A

The pilot stated the plane was being transported from ksdl to kimt in Michigan’s upper peninsula. The pilot was experienced in this aircraft, which he had purchased in 2010 and flew it on wheels and floats for about 10 years until it was bought by the current owner, who let him fly the plane often following his purchase. On the date of the accident the plane was equipped with very large tundra tires which the pilot had not flown before. The owner mentioned to the pilot that 3 point landings yielded good results with these tires. The pilot departed ksdl VFR approximately 3.5 hours before incident and proceeded to kgjt in good conditions. Picked up ATIS ~30 min prior to landing which indicated winds down the runway. New ATIS was issued a few minutes prior to landing on runway 29 which reported winds from 320. The pilot stated that the tower commented to an aircraft landing shortly before the pilot that dust devils were observed just north of the pavement.

On touchdown the pilot stated there was a wind gust from the right which caused the plane to balloon as the pilot was touching down and the plane bounced a foot or two. The pilot stated he did not feel the plane was out of control at that moment but as he banked the plane into the wind the soft tires grabbed the grooved pavement firmly, resulting in a groundloop. The pilot was physically uninjured. The pilot was able to egress the plane without assistance and observed damage to the left wing tip and lateral aileron. The left tire was blown and the wheel was fractured. Fortunately the propeller and engine were not damaged. The airport manager took pictures which were sent to the denver NTSB, who gave permission to move the aircraft. The pilot also stated that he spoke with NTSB personnel immediately following the event.