Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during a wheel landing, resulting in a ground-loop and substantial damage. The pilot reported that after touchdown, the airplane yawed left. He applied right rudder to counter the yaw. As the tail descended to the runway, the left yaw increased. The pilot then applied right brake in addition to right rudder, but recalled that the right brake application was "completely ineffective." The airplane departed the left side of the runway and entered a rough gravel surface. The pilot subsequently applied left rudder and left brake to intentionally ground-loop the airplane. During the ground-loop, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to a stop.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. No other damage was reported.
Post-accident examination of the airplane's brake system by Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors revealed that the cotter pin and clevis connecting the right brake cylinder connecting rod to the inner right brake pedal connection point were detached and unrecovered.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to landing that would have precluded normal operation.