Pilot Debrief

Ashcraft DR107 near Aurora, IL — 2010-08-21

Final reportCEN10LA506
Sign in to save
Date
2010-08-21
Location
Aurora, IL, USA
Airport
ARR
Aircraft
Ashcraft DR107
Registration
N123TA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The low cycle fatigue failure of the tail wheel spring during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot aborted a landing after the tail wheel spring fractured. The pilot attempted another landing by keeping the tail off the runway surface until the airspeed decreased. When the tail contacted the runway, the airplane veered and ground looped. The left main landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. A postaccident examination of the tail wheel spring revealed a low cycle fatigue fracture.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around after feeling the tail spring failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps