On June 3, 1995, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N125FG) was involved in an aviation accident near Sand Point, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tailwheel steering mechanism's anti-castoring limits were below the manufacturer's recommended break free force, allowing the airplane to turn faster and more freely to the right than commanded by rudder control inputs. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing on a hard surfaced runway, a tundra tire-equipped tailwheel airplane veered right; despite full left brake and rudder, the left main landing gear collapsed. Investigation found tailwheel steering anti-castoring limits below manufacturer specifications.
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.
Probable cause
The tailwheel steering mechanism's anti-castoring limits were below the manufacturer's recommended break free force, allowing the airplane to turn faster and more freely to the right than commanded by rudder control inputs.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Jun 1995 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Sand Point, AK?
After landing on a hard surfaced runway, a tundra tire-equipped tailwheel airplane veered right; despite full left brake and rudder, the left main landing gear collapsed. Investigation found tailwheel steering anti-castoring limits below manufacturer specifications.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jun 1995 Piper PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jun 1995 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N125FG, at Sand Point, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The tailwheel steering mechanism's anti-castoring limits were below the manufacturer's recommended break free force, allowing the airplane to turn faster and more freely to the right than commanded by rudder control inputs.
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