Primary finding
Probable cause
Aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A factor was vibration in the tailwheel for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a landing at a local airport, the pilot reported that he experienced vibration in the airplane on a previous landing, which he felt originated in the tailwheel. The pilot and a mechanic tightened the tailwheel nut. The pilot elected to proceed to his next destination and during the landing the vibration recurred. During the landing roll, the airplane veered off the runway and ground looped. An examination of the tailwheel revealed no anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 8, 1993, at approximately 1530 mountain standard time, during the landing roll at Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Cessna 180J, N7770K, was substantially damaged following a loss of control. The private pilot did not sustain injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the accident site. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Damage involved the left wing and left elevator. During an interview with the pilot by the FAA inspector, the pilot stated the facts in this paragraph. The tailwheel developed a "severe vibration" during a landing at the Coronado Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier that day. The pilot and a mechanic tightened the tailwheel nut. During the landing roll at the Double Eagle II Airport, the tailwheel "vibration occurred and the airplane veered to the right of the runway and ground looped." -