Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 305 near Alabaster, AL — 2022-12-10

Final reportERA23LA088
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Date
2022-12-10
Location
Alabaster, AL, USA
Airport
EET
Aircraft
CESSNA 305
Registration
N5301G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Failure of the tailwheel locking mechanism, which resulted in a loss of control during landing and a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the vintage tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a three-point landing on the runway centerline, aligned with the runway, in light wind. Upon touchdown, the airplane swerved left. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder and brake application; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The pilot examined the tailwheel after the accident and noted that its locking mechanism had failed. Specifically, he believed that the spindle or brass thrust ring had failed internally.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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