Event Details
The pilot reported that after touchdown, the tail wheel equipped airplane tracked left of the runway center as it decelerated. He applied corrective actions; however, the airplane continued to track left and subsequently departed the runway edge. During the runway excursion, the right wing made contact with the ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Pilot Observations
According to the pilot, the tail wheel strut did not compress on landing until after right rudder was applied. This observation was noted in relation to the recently completed 100-hour annual inspection, during which the tail wheel suspension strut was modified to incorporate a cylinder/oil type strut.
Investigation Findings
A review of the tail wheel strut revealed that the strut only affects the vertical movement of the tail wheel and has no lateral control effects. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.