What happened
The pilot completed a preflight inspection and boarded the Cessna aircraft before departing runway 27 for left closed traffic. During the taxi, takeoff, approach, and landing phases, no mechanical issues were noted. However, as the tailwheel touched the runway surface, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The airplane departed the runway and struck a hangar, where it eventually came to rest. The pilot was not injured in the accident and successfully secured the fuel selector before exiting the cockpit.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage identified several airworthiness issues. Investigators found that the tailwheel assembly bolt had been installed upside down, which contributed to the binding of the tailwheel. Records indicated that the aircraft had received an annual inspection approximately six flight hours before the accident, on June 28, 2004.