Incident Details
A pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tail wheel-equipped airplane began veering to the right. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the aircraft continued to deviate from the runway centerline, eventually exiting the paved surface. The airplane then tipped onto its left wing tip, resulting in damage to the left elevator. It subsequently came to rest upright within a snow bank.
Missing Component
According to the pilot, the left tail wheel steering link (spring retaining clip), identified as Univair Part No. 2133, was missing from the tail wheel assembly. A search of the runway and the area near the airplane failed to locate the missing component.
Technical Context
The absence of the tail wheel steering link would allow the tail wheel to freely caster, potentially affecting directional control during ground operations. The pilot's account indicates that the veering tendency commenced during the landing roll and persisted despite corrective inputs.
Examination
No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location were provided in the source. The investigation did not establish a probable cause for the incident.