On June 13, 1982, a Champion 7GCAA (registration N9528S) operated by Flying Machnines Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Independence, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right rudder tail wheel spring, which allowed the left spring to recoil and pull the tail wheel to the left. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a full stall landing, the aircraft veered left at touchdown. After applying full power for a go-around, the pilot could not turn right. After lift-off, houses prevented a turn, and the aircraft struck a garage/hanger, caught fire. Both occupants egressed with minor injuries. Investigation revealed a failed right rudder tail wheel spring.
Incident Sequence
The pilot reported that during a full stall landing, the aircraft veered to the left at the moment of touchdown. The pilot applied full power for a go-around, but was reportedly unable to turn the aircraft back to the right toward the runway. After lift-off, the proximity of houses prevented a turn. The pilot pulled up to clear the house immediately ahead. After clearing the house, the aircraft mushed and hit a garage/hanger. Almost simultaneously, it hit the ground. After coming to rest in the back yard of the home, it began to burn. Both occupants egressed with minor injuries.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the right rudder tail wheel spring had failed. This allowed the left spring to recoil and pull the tail wheel to the left. A Cessna, N21230, was parked in the garage/hanger, and its wing tip was damaged from the impact. The pilot additionally stated that during the previous takeoff, the plane swerved slightly just before lift-off.
Probable cause
Failure of the right rudder tail wheel spring, which allowed the left spring to recoil and pull the tail wheel to the left.