Accident Overview
A pilot reported that after landing a tailwheel airplane equipped with 29-inch tundra tires on a hard surfaced runway, the aircraft began to slow to taxi speed. During this phase, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot applied full left brake and rudder inputs, but was unable to correct the deviation. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the tailwheel steering mechanism revealed that the anti-castoring limits were set below the manufacturer's recommended break free force. This condition allowed the tailwheel to turn more rapidly and with less resistance to the right than commanded by the rudder control inputs.
Operational Observations
Conversations with pilots experienced in operating aircraft with tundra tires indicated that such airplanes are considerably more challenging to handle on hard surfaced runways compared to those fitted with conventional tires.