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Tailwheel Steering Yoke Failure Leads to Loss of Control During Landing (N443WB)

Columbus, OH, US

On July 21, 1987, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N443WB) operated by 443 Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of directional control was due to a broken tailwheel steering yoke, which had fractured at a retaining-bolt hole where an oversized bolt was installed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, a pilot experienced loss of directional control as the tailwheel touched down. A go-around was attempted, but on the second landing the airplane veered off the runway, crossed a grassy area, and struck a parked C-172. Post-crash inspection revealed a broken tailwheel steering yoke with oversized bolts.

Event Details

The pilot experienced a loss of directional control on landing as the tailwheel touched down, and executed a go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane veered off the runway, traveled across a grassy area, and impacted a parked C-172. The airplane was estimated to have traveled approximately 800 feet after touchdown prior to colliding with the parked aircraft.

Post-Crash Examination

A post-crash examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel steering yoke had broken. The yoke had fractured across one of two retaining-bolt holes in the yoke shaft. Oversized bolts were found installed in the holes.

Findings

The strength of a tailwheel steering yoke can be reduced by the installation of oversized bolts, leading to fracture. In this event, the broken yoke resulted in a loss of directional control during landing.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control was due to a broken tailwheel steering yoke, which had fractured at a retaining-bolt hole where an oversized bolt was installed.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jul 1987 Aeronca 7AC accident near Columbus, OH?

During landing, a pilot experienced loss of directional control as the tailwheel touched down. A go-around was attempted, but on the second landing the airplane veered off the runway, crossed a grassy area, and struck a parked C-172. Post-crash inspection revealed a broken tailwheel steering yoke with oversized bolts.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jul 1987 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N443WB, operated by 443 Flying Club, at Columbus, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control was due to a broken tailwheel steering yoke, which had fractured at a retaining-bolt hole where an oversized bolt was installed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31408. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.