Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after takeoff, the flight proceeded to the destination airport. The Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) initially indicated the wind was favoring runway 29. While on final approach to runway 29, the AWOS reported wind from 360 degrees at 7 knots with no gusts. The pilot landed the airplane first on the main landing gear. Within seconds of lowering the tailwheel, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot applied right aileron, left rudder, and left brake to stop the turn but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the runway and collided with a ditch.
Post-Accident Actions and Findings
After coming to rest, the pilot and her son exited the airplane. The spars of the lower left wing were damaged. Inspection of the airplane following recovery by an FAA certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization (A&P/IA) revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the tailwheel assembly. The tailwheel pin was not fractured or failed, and the mechanic did not detect any excessive play or looseness in the tailwheel assembly.