Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Spring Disconnection Leads to Runway Excursion During Landing Roll (N4056Z)

Rogers City, MI, US

On May 7, 1997, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4056Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Rogers City, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that the lack of rudder authority due to low groundspeed after the tailwheel spring disconnection resulted in the loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing roll, a tailwheel shimmy caused the left tailwheel spring to disconnect. The airplane spun 270 degrees, the left wing contacted the runway, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway.

Event Summary

An incident occurred during the landing roll when the tailwheel of an airplane began to shimmy. The left tailwheel spring subsequently became disconnected. The aircraft spun approximately 270 degrees, and the left wing contacted the runway surface. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway before coming to rest.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the tailwheel shimmy initiated the chain of events. The left side tailwheel spring disconnected during the landing roll. The airplane then rotated around 270 degrees, causing the left wing to make contact with the runway. The airplane traveled off the right side of the runway and came to a stop.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the groundspeed was very slow at the time of the spring disconnection. This condition resulted in a lack of rudder authority, which prevented the pilot from maintaining directional control of the airplane.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that the lack of rudder authority due to low groundspeed after the tailwheel spring disconnection resulted in the loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07878. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.