On June 7, 1983, a Beech G18S (registration N5BA) operated by Bo-s-aire Airlines Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel failure during the landing roll caused an aircraft to veer off the runway. Investigation revealed the tailwheel truss axle had failed, with 50% of the fracture surface rusted. A required inspection of the truss axle was not performed.
Incident Summary
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, while the aircraft was rolling on all three wheels, the tailwheel failed and steered sideways, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the tailwheel truss axle had failed. A further inspection found that 50% of the fracture surface was rusted.
Maintenance History
The aircraft had received a Phase 3 inspection under the company's progressive maintenance program 26 flight hours prior to the accident. This phase inspection called for inspection and retract testing of the landing gear system. Company personnel stated that inspection of the truss axle was not accomplished.