Different people have different ideas of exactly what the word "groundloop" means (check
this out!
), but based upon the definition in
Jane's Aerospace Dictionary ("Involuntary uncontrolled turn while moving on ground, esp during take-off or landing, common on tailwheel aeroplanes with large ground angle, caused by directional instability"), I've been involved in three groundloops: twice as PIC, once as a pax. One incident was due to a 90-degree crosswind (no damage), and the other two were due to gyroscopic effect (minor wingtip damage
). Pilot error in all three cases.
The only advice that I can offer is that the many groundlooping stories should not be discounted. While I enjoy flying tailwheel airplanes, I do think that they have to be handled with due respect (especially the heavier, more powerful airplanes).
Have fun, but be careful!
