On June 13, 1991, a Cessna 195 (registration N4351V) operated by Henry M. Keating was involved in an aviation accident near Detroit, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tailwheel oleo strut was not properly inflated, rendering the tailwheel steering and locking inoperative. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, a tailwheel aircraft veered left when speed dropped below 30 mph despite rudder and braking inputs. The right main landing gear collapsed as the aircraft departed the runway. Investigation found the tailwheel oleo strut was underinflated, making steering and locking inoperative.
Incident Details
A certified flight instructor was conducting a checkout flight with the aircraft owner. The instructor stated that the aircraft was very difficult to handle on the ground below 30 miles per hour. On landing rollout, when the speed decreased below 30 miles per hour, the aircraft began to turn to the left. The pilot could not correct the deviation with rudder and braking inputs. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway, and the right main landing gear collapsed.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the tailwheel oleo strut was not properly inflated. This condition rendered the tailwheel steering and the tailwheel locking inoperative. The flight instructor had three hours of experience in this model of aircraft.
Probable cause
The tailwheel oleo strut was not properly inflated, rendering the tailwheel steering and locking inoperative.