Incident Overview
A landing aircraft experienced a loss of directional control after the tail wheel touched down on runway 02 at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport in Dayton, Ohio. The airplane veered to the left and departed the runway surface, leading to the collapse of the right main landing gear and structural damage to the right wing.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the tail wheel lock pin failed to remain in the locked position during the landing rollout. After the tail wheel contacted the runway, the aircraft began to veer left. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation, and the airplane exited the left side of the 5,000-foot-long, 100-foot-wide grooved asphalt runway. The right main landing gear collapsed when it contacted the ground, and the right wing skin wrinkled upon impact with the terrain.
Aircraft Damage and Occupants
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically the right main landing gear and the right wing. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured in the event.
Post-Incident Inspection
A subsequent inspection of the tail wheel assembly was conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration. The examination revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the tail wheel or its locking mechanism.
Pilot Statement
The pilot attributed the loss of control to the tail wheel lock pin not staying in the locked position, as stated in their account of the incident.
Runway Details
Runway 02 at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport is 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide, with a grooved asphalt surface.