Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the tailwheel strut, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing roll and a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the vintage tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing roll, he heard a “pop,” followed by an uncommanded right turn. He was unable to correct the turn, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear subsequently collapsed on a taxiway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the tailwheel strut had failed and was in an overextended position, which locked the tailwheel in a right turn. The inspector added that the tailwheel strut had been rebuilt about 15 years and 500 operating hours prior to the accident.