Accident Details
On July 2, 2019, about 0930 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, registration N2352K, sustained substantial damage during a landing and subsequent runway excursion at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT), Sevierville, Tennessee. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which had departed about 0815.
According to the pilot, he had purchased the airplane the day before and planned to complete a local time-building flight. He performed maneuvers in the local area, returned to GKT, and completed four normal wheel landings on runway 28. On the fifth wheel landing, the pilot reported that both main landing gear touched down on the runway centerline at approximately 55–60 mph, and at about 30 mph the tailwheel settled to the runway.
As soon as the tailwheel touched down, the pilot felt a rumble described as "like a machine gun." The airplane continued to track the centerline for about 5–6 seconds, then veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder, and the airplane subsequently veered left off the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right-wing spar sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot observed the tailwheel at rest 90° to the right, perpendicular to the fuselage.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He completed Basic Medical certification on September 12, 2018. He reported 439 total flight hours, of which 9 hours were in the accident make and model. He received a tailwheel endorsement in January 2009.
The tailwheel-equipped airplane was powered by a Continental C85 engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on July 1, 2019.
Weather Conditions
At 0940, the reported weather at GKT included 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, calm wind, temperature 28°C, dew point 21°C, and barometric pressure of 30.06 inches of mercury. The pilot reported the wind as calm.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the tailwheel assembly. It moved freely, and no binds or control linkage problems were discovered. The inspector reported that the chain and spring assembly on the tailwheel were "a little loose."