Incident Description
Two pilots, both certified flight instructors, were on a flight aimed at renewing one pilot's tailwheel currency. The instructing pilot performed the landing, executing a three-point touchdown. After landing, the aircraft decelerated in a ground roll of approximately 1,000 feet, leaving about 3,000 feet of runway remaining. The other pilot asked, 'Do you want some brakes?' to which the instructing pilot replied, 'Just a little bit.' At that time, the aircraft's speed was below 20 knots. The instructing pilot then felt the aircraft swing abruptly 180 degrees to the right. The left wheel broke off and its tube collapsed. The aircraft came to rest supported by the left wing, the right main wheel, and the tail wheel. The propeller struck the runway, stopping the engine.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the left main landing gear exhibited heavy corrosion, specifically rust, at the junction where the strut joined the axle. This area was identified as the point of separation.