On June 23, 2000, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N85861) was involved in an aviation accident near Tylertown, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tail-wheel spring and associated parts pulled apart during the landing, leading to a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a three-point landing, the tail-wheel shook excessively, then the airplane veered right despite left rudder input, departed the runway, turned 180 degrees, and collapsed the left main landing gear. The tail-wheel spring and parts were found on the runway.
Incident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) occupying the right seat reported that they had been practicing both three-point and wheel landings. The specific landing in question was a three-point landing. Upon touchdown, the tail-wheel shook excessively back and forth, then became smooth. The airplane subsequently veered to the right, even though both occupants were applying left rudder. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway, turned approximately 180 degrees, slid left into a ditch, and collapsed the left main landing gear.
Findings
According to the CFI and an FAA Inspector, a tail-wheel spring and associated parts had pulled apart from the tail-wheel assembly. These components were later discovered on the runway near the point where the airplane veered off the runway.
Damage
The left main landing gear collapsed during the excursion into the ditch.
Probable cause
The tail-wheel spring and associated parts pulled apart during the landing, leading to a loss of directional control.