On June 27, 1987, a Cessna 195A (registration N9321A) operated by J.m. Rutland was involved in an aviation accident near Cambridge, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that the tailwheel came out of its centered and locked position during flight, which caused the aircraft to pull to the right after touchdown. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot, holding an A&P certificate, intentionally ground-looped his aircraft after the tailwheel came out of its centered and locked position during flight, causing a rightward swerve on landing.
Incident Overview
After purchasing the aircraft in Atlanta, the pilot—who held an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate—inspected the aircraft and conducted local flights before departing on a ferry flight to Rockland, Maine. During the landing roll at his first fuel stop, the aircraft swerved to the right. To avoid ditching, the pilot intentionally ground-looped the aircraft.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated that the tailwheel had come out of its centered and locked position during flight. This caused the aircraft to pull to the right after touchdown, leading to the swerve and subsequent ground-loop. The pilot's actions were taken to prevent the aircraft from entering a ditch.
Probable cause
The pilot stated that the tailwheel came out of its centered and locked position during flight, which caused the aircraft to pull to the right after touchdown.