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Tailwheel Arm Failure Leads to Landing Gear Separation and Runway Excursion (N5643L)

Point Lookout, MO, US

On July 1, 1998, an American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1TW (registration N5643L) was involved in an aviation accident near Point Lookout, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the tailwheel assembly due to corrosion. A factor associated with the accident was the overload failure of the right main landing gear. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll, tailwheel vibration increased causing sharp left yaw; right landing gear attach bolts sheared, wing contacted runway, and airplane exited runway. Corrosion found on fractured tailwheel arm.

Incident Description

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel began to vibrate. The vibration intensified, and the airplane made a sharp yaw to the left. After the airplane turned approximately 30 degrees, the bolts securing the right landing gear attach bracket sheared. Subsequently, the right wing contacted the runway surface. The airplane then skidded to the right side of the runway and exited the runway tail first.

Post-Inspection Findings

An examination of the airplane revealed that the right arm of the tailwheel had failed approximately 1 foot from the center of the arm. Corrosion was observed on the fractured surface.

Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 1998 American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1TW accident near Point Lookout, MO?

During landing roll, tailwheel vibration increased causing sharp left yaw; right landing gear attach bolts sheared, wing contacted runway, and airplane exited runway. Corrosion found on fractured tailwheel arm.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jul 1998 American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1TW accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 1998 involved an American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1TW, registration N5643L, at Point Lookout, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the tailwheel assembly due to corrosion. A factor associated with the accident was the overload failure of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10488. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.