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Tailwheel Spring Failure During Instructional Landing (N3143A)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On May 8, 2001, a Cessna 170B (registration N3143A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the tailwheel spring assembly at a preexisting crack. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a wheel landing on a gravel runway, the tailwheel assembly broke off due to a preexisting crack in the spring assembly, causing rudder damage.

Accident Details

A commercial certificated pilot/flight instructor was conducting a local area instructional flight with the student pilot/airplane owner. The instructor reported performing wheel landings with the student on a gravel runway. During the touchdown of the third or fourth landing, the tailwheel assembly suddenly separated from the airplane.

Findings

An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft after the accident and discovered a preexisting crack in the tailwheel spring assembly. The crack was approximately 1/16 inch deep and 1/2 inch long. The spring failed at the crack. Upon departure, the tailwheel struck the bottom of the rudder and the rudder trim tab, tearing open the bottom and aft portion of the rudder assembly. The spring assembly had accumulated 126 hours total time, with 65 hours since the last annual inspection.

Probable cause

Failure of the tailwheel spring assembly at a preexisting crack.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 May 2001 Cessna 170B accident near Fairbanks, AK?

During a wheel landing on a gravel runway, the tailwheel assembly broke off due to a preexisting crack in the spring assembly, causing rudder damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 May 2001 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 May 2001 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N3143A, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the tailwheel spring assembly at a preexisting crack.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010510X00924. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.