Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced an abrupt left veer and departed the runway. The pilot regained directional control after the airplane had swerved approximately 60 degrees from the runway heading. As the airplane was being returned to the runway, the right main landing gear struck an earthen berm about 16 inches high, causing the airplane to nose over.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the airplane was conducted. The inspection revealed that the tail wheel side spring, located between the rudder horn and the tailwheel on the right side of the tail wheel assembly, was disconnected. Additionally, the clip that normally held the spring in place was missing.
Operational Details
The event occurred during the landing phase of flight. No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, or weather conditions. The pilot did not specify any other contributing factors in the initial report.