Examination Revealed That The Tailwheel Was Jammed 45° Relative To The Direction Of Travel

Location: Prescott, Arizona Accident Number: WPR24LA061
Date & Time: December 26, 2023, 12:21 Local Registration: N29TT
Aircraft: Glasair SH2 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: When the airplane’s tailwheel touched the ground during landing, the airplane immediately swerved and ground looped, causing substantial damage to the fuselage due to sideloads on the landing gear. The weather conditions were not a factor, and examination revealed that the tailwheel was jammed 45° relative to the direction of travel.

Further examination revealed that the tailwheel assembly locking mechanism was significantly worn and had been incorrectly constructed, so a positive lock was not possible. Under this condition, with light side loads as are often encountered during landing, the tailwheel could unlock and be pushed into an over center position. This resulted in the airplane aggressively swerving as observed.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- Loss of directional control during landing due to an improperly constructed and maintained tailwheel locking assembly.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov