Accident Details
On June 17, 2023, at 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 305C, registration N62TX, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Big Bear Airport (L35) in Big Bear, California. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot, who was uninjured, reported that the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left after departure, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the right wing impacted the terrain, causing substantial damage. The wind at the airport around the time of the accident was calm.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel head bracket flanges had fracture separated. The bracket was removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory in Washington, DC, for further examination. Analysis of the fracture faces showed the presence of dimpled ruptures, consistent with overstress fractures in cast aluminum.