Casualties unknown

Loss of Directional Control After Landing Due to Rudder Hinge Failure (N9299D)

Holbrook, AZ, US

On March 29, 2001, a Piper PA18-150 (registration N9299D) was involved in an aviation accident near Holbrook, AZ. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010405X00707. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.