Accident Overview
On October 4, 2021, at about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, registration N3453K, was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway and collided with an unoccupied parked airplane near Garberville, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, after performing a wheel landing, the airplane veered to the right as the tailwheel touched down. The pilot attempted to abort the landing but reported that the airplane lacked sufficient airspeed and was "totally out of control." The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the runway and struck the parked airplane before coming to rest upright.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The right wing and both wing lift struts were substantially damaged. Flight control continuity was established from all primary flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls. The tailwheel was found to rotate to the left, stop at the detent, then swivel freely when force was applied. However, when rotated to the right, the tailwheel stopped at the detent and did not swivel beyond it under pressure.
Tailwheel Assembly Inspection
The tailwheel assembly was removed and examined. No visible damage was found. Both the left and right compression spring assemblies had been disconnected from the tailwheel steering arm. One spring and chain connector clip was missing; a braided portion of safety wire remained attached to the steering arm where the clip would normally be installed. When tested, the tailwheel rotated left and right within the steering detents. With sufficient force, it could rotate past the detent and fully swivel in both directions. Disassembly revealed no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Maintenance Records
A review of the airplane maintenance records showed no recent maintenance performed on the tailwheel assembly.