On November 17, 2000, a Cessna 140 (registration N2154V) was involved in an aviation accident near Sacramento, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a ground loop and runway departure after the tail wheel began to vibrate. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft experienced progressive tail wheel vibration during landing rollout, leading to loss of directional control and a ground loop that caused the airplane to leave the runway surface.
What happened
During the landing rollout phase, the pilot noticed the tail wheel beginning to vibrate. The shaking started at a slow rate but became progressively worse as the aircraft continued down the runway. In response to the increasing vibration, the pilot attempted to ease off on the elevator pressure. However, this action resulted in a loss of directional control. The airplane swerved sharply to the right, ground looped, and ultimately departed the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the tail wheel assembly and the pilot's actions during the incident. Examination revealed that the tail wheel was the source of the vibration. No other mechanical anomalies were identified that would have contributed to the loss of control or the departure from the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a ground loop and runway departure after the tail wheel began to vibrate.