Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the airplane touched down approximately 500 feet beyond the threshold of runway 23, aligned with the centerline. As the tail wheel contacted the runway and the tail lost lift, the airplane began to veer to the left of the centerline. At around 1,900 feet from the approach end, the airplane crossed from the south side of the runway to the north side. It then veered left again and exited the runway surface on the south side approximately 2,000 feet from the approach end. The airplane came to rest perpendicular to the runway at a point 2,144 feet from the approach end.
After leaving the runway, the airplane traveled down a 15-foot embankment and collided with several large rocks. The impact separated both main landing gear. The airplane then rotated counterclockwise by about 45 degrees and came to rest near trees.
At the time of the accident, wind was reported as 100 degrees at 15 knots gusting.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed tail wheel skid marks on the runway throughout the loss-of-control sequence. The tail wheel scuff marks were aligned with the main landing gear tracks and showed side-load scuffing consistent with the tail wheel being in the forward, locked position. The scuffing pattern was not indicative of a cocked tail wheel. Additionally, there was no evidence of tail wheel tire sidewall or tread damage that would be expected from a cocked tail wheel.
The auto-locking feature of the tail wheel was tested and found to operate properly. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.