Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, after the tail wheel touched down, the airplane swerved to the right, then to the left, and veered off the runway to the right, impacting an airport sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.
Postaccident Examination
Following a postaccident examination of the right and left main landing gear wheels, the pilot sent an email to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector regarding the Timken bearing for the main landing gear wheel. The email stated in part: "The bearing itself is a stock Timken 18200 bearing, nothing special. While jacked up the wheel turns fine by hand. And this is unlike any failed bearing I've seen. And getting close to a CND (cannot duplicate) condition. I think it is possible the bearing was in the process of failing. At touchdown speeds (approximately 60-80 knots) with little weight on wheels the bearing could lock up or freeze momentarily causing the aircraft to veer right."
Manufacturer Examination
A photo of the Timken 18200 tapered roller bearing was sent to the manufacturer for further examination. The manufacturer examined the photo and concluded that there was no evidence of damage or scoring, and further reported that if the bearing would have seized, he would have expected to see damage to the rolling contact surfaces.