Accident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during landing. As the airplane decelerated on the runway, it veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder with the control stick held full aft, but reported "little to no change in the yaw."
Sequence of Events
The pilot noted that the tailwheel had "unlocked" when it contacted the runway because the airplane was yawed to the left. In an attempt to regain control, he added engine power to increase airflow for better rudder effectiveness. The airplane began to straighten, but it subsequently exited the runway to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Environmental Conditions
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about five minutes before the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 04.