Pilot Debrief

Stinson 108 near Glenwood Springs, CO — 2020-08-12

Final reportCEN20LA345
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Date
2020-08-12
Location
Glenwood Springs, CO, USA
Airport
GWS
Aircraft
Stinson 108
Registration
N9726K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control upon landing due to a sheared tailwheel locking pin.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, upon touchdown, the tailwheel equipped airplane immediately “lurched” right. He said that he tried to correct, and the airplane initially veered left; however, it ultimately veered right followed by a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that neither occupant was actuating the brakes at the time of the landing. A post-accident examination revealed that the tailwheel locking pin was sheared, which allowed the tailwheel to rotate freely more than 90°. When the pin is not engaged, the fork would have the ability to rotate and pivot independently of the steering arm and rudder input, a condition known as free-castoring.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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