On March 29, 2001, a Piper PA18-150 (registration N9299D) was involved in an aviation accident near Holbrook, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the lower rudder hinge point, resulting in loss of rudder control and tail wheel steering, leading to the pilot's inability to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing, the pilot lost directional control and the airplane veered off the runway. The lower rudder hinge point had separated, causing loss of rudder control and tail wheel steering.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported losing directional control after landing. The airplane veered off the runway to the right and came to rest on its nose. The pilot noted a left crosswind of about 10 knots.
Damage
The lower rudder hinge point had separated from the vertical tail post. The steerable tail wheel is attached to the rudder horns near that hinge.
Findings
The failure of the lower rudder hinge point resulted in the loss of both rudder control and tail wheel steering. This led to the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Probable Cause
The probable cause is the failure of the lower rudder hinge point, which caused the loss of rudder control and tail wheel steering, preventing the pilot from maintaining directional control.
What happened in the 29 Mar 2001 Piper PA18-150 accident near Holbrook, AZ?
After landing, the pilot lost directional control and the airplane veered off the runway. The lower rudder hinge point had separated, causing loss of rudder control and tail wheel steering.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Mar 2001 Piper PA18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Mar 2001 involved a Piper PA18-150, registration N9299D, at Holbrook, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the lower rudder hinge point, resulting in loss of rudder control and tail wheel steering, leading to the pilot's inability to maintain directional control.
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