Tailwheel Rotated Freely To The Right But Would Not Rotate To The Left

Location: Tok, AK Accident Number: ANC20LA100
Date & Time: September 30, 2020, 19:15 Local Registration: N926LL
Aircraft: Cessna 180 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:

On September 30, 2020, about 1940 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180H airplane, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Tok Junction Airport, Tok, Alaska. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, she was landing her tailwheel-equipped airplane on an asphalt surfaced runway. After a normal touchdown in the three-point attitude, the airplane drifted to the left and right of the runway centerline but was corrected each time with the light application of the appropriate rudder pedal.

As the airplane decelerated and rudder effectiveness diminished, the airplane veered abruptly to the right and left rudder was applied but was unsuccessful in controlling the airplane. The airplane exited the runway and the left main gear separated from the gear box resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

An initial examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel rotated freely to the right but would not rotate to the left. A detailed examination of the tailwheel is pending.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov