Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during landing, the main wheels touched down normally. When the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane pulled hard to the left, and application of the rudder had no effect. The airplane continued left off the side of the runway and collided with a lighting system.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel rudder arm assembly was found fractured and separated on the right side. Inboard of the fracture, evidence of a previous weld repair was observed. The weld repair was located at the thickest area of the tapered rudder arm assembly, while the fracture occurred at a smaller-diameter area.
Metallurgical Findings
Metallurgical examination of the rudder arm assembly showed that the aluminum component exhibited deformation near the fracture surfaces. No evidence of fatigue was observed in the material. The findings indicate that the fracture was not the result of cyclic loading.