Pilot Debrief

NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD MK near Dayton, OH — 2008-09-28

Final reportCHI08CA295
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Date
2008-09-28
Location
Dayton, OH, USA
Airport
I19
Aircraft
NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD MK
Registration
N9272C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Improper maintenance on the tail wheel anti-shimmy mechanism and the pilot's decision to continue operating the airplane with a known shimmy in the tail wheel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that when the tail wheel touched down during landing, he felt a "severe oscillation" which prevented him from maintaining directional control of the airplane. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway where it contacted a ditch collapsing the left main landing gear. The pilot reported he had always been able to control the airplane in the past with the tail wheel shimmy by using the brakes. Inspection of the airplane revealed the tail wheel clutch locking assembly cam was worn. In addition, the anti-shimmy friction spring was tightened down beyond limits.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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