Tailwheel Spring Failure Leads to Ground Loss of Control and Gear Collapse (N9281E)

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.