On November 23, 2006, a Cessna 120 (registration N1915N) was involved in an aviation accident near Perryville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing which resulted in an overload of the tailwheel attachment structure in the fuselage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft veered left during landing, causing the left main wheel to depart the paved surface. The pilot could not correct with rudder and applied right brake. The airplane came to rest near the runway centerline. Post-accident examination revealed damage to the rear fuselage tailwheel mount.
Incident Overview
An aircraft sustained substantial damage during a landing event. According to the pilot, upon touchdown the airplane unexpectedly veered to the left, and rudder input was ineffective in correcting the deviation. The pilot reported that the aircraft was heading toward the side of the runway. In an attempt to prevent a complete departure from the paved surface, the pilot applied the right brake.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the left main wheel left the runway surface, while the right main wheel remained on the pavement. The airplane eventually came to rest near the runway centerline. The pilot noted that two prior landings in the same flight had been performed without any discrepancies.
Post-Accident Examination
Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the rear fuselage in the area where the tailwheel is mounted. No other details regarding the extent of damage or other components were provided in the source.