On August 27, 2005, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N11661) was involved in an aviation accident near Chiloquin, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left chain to the tailwheel steering assembly failed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing on runway 35, the tailwheel oscillated until the aircraft slowed to about 20 mph, then veered right. The left main gear collapsed, bending the wing. Inspection revealed a failed tailwheel steering chain.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that immediately after touchdown on runway 35, the tailwheel began oscillating. The oscillation continued during the rollout until the aircraft's speed decreased to approximately 20 miles per hour, at which point the airplane suddenly veered to the right. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the outboard 5 to 6 feet of the wing to bend upward.
Post-Event Inspection
An inspection of the tailwheel assembly disclosed that the left chain to the tailwheel steering assembly had failed. The pilot noted this as the likely reason for the loss of directional control that led to the gear collapse.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear and the outboard section of the left wing. No other damage was reported from the incident.
Probable cause
The left chain to the tailwheel steering assembly failed.