Accident Details
The pilot reported that after making a three-point landing, the aircraft abruptly veered to the right during the landing roll. Despite attempting to correct with power, the aircraft departed the right side of the runway, struck brush, and came to rest down an embankment.
Post-Accident Examination
Inspection of the tailwheel assembly revealed that the right-side tailwheel rudder spring was missing, and the left-side spring was hanging and not connected. This condition likely affected directional control during the landing roll.
Aircraft Maintenance History
According to the airplane logbooks, the last annual inspection was completed on September 28, 1997, following a rebuild in September 1997. The aircraft had accumulated over 6.5 hours since that rebuild. Prior to that inspection, the most recent logbook entry was dated in 1981.