Pilot Debrief

Glasair SH2 near Prescott, AZ — 2023-12-26

Final reportWPR24LA061
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Date
2023-12-26
Location
Prescott, AZ, USA
Airport
PRC
Aircraft
Glasair SH2
Registration
N29TT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

Loss of directional control during landing due to an improperly constructed and maintained tailwheel locking assembly.

NTSB narrative

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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked tailwheel locking mechanism before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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