On August 27, 1995, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N9281E) was involved in an aviation accident near Ogden, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to use brakes to maintain directional control following a tailwheel steering malfunction. Partial failure of the tailwheel steering system contributed to the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a normal landing followed by an unexpected right turn. Full left rudder had no effect, and during a go-around attempt the main gear collapsed after the aircraft turned 90 degrees. A broken spring in the tailwheel was found.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the landing was normal, consisting of a straight-in approach and what he described as a 'near perfect 3 point landing'. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled straight along the runway centerline for 3 to 5 seconds before it began to turn to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder but reported no response. He then added full power in an attempt to go around. The pilot stated that he did not attempt to use differential braking during the event. As the aircraft's heading reached approximately 90 degrees to the right of the runway direction, the main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft then slid to a stop.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the Scott model 3200 tailwheel assembly installed on the aircraft revealed that a spring inside the assembly had broken. This failure prevented the tailwheel from being steered to the left via the rudder pedals. Investigators found no evidence indicating that this model of tailwheel assembly is currently approved for installation on the aircraft. Available records show that the tailwheel assembly had been installed on the aircraft for at least six years prior to the accident.