Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
COLLAPSE OF THE TAILWHEEL GEAR ASSEMBLY, DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A NUT BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 21, 1995, about 1505 eastern standard time, a Christen Industries A-1, N2923B, registered to Hugh S. Brown, sustained damage when the tail landing gear collapsed during landing at Opa Locka Airport, Opa Locka, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Titusville, Florida, on March 21, 1995, about 1305.
The pilot stated that while landing on runway 27 right, a tailwheel main attach bolt failed and the tail wheel collapsed. The aircraft ground looped to the left and went off the runway.
Examination of the aircraft by FAA inspectors indicated the nut on the tail gear assembly attach bolt was missing. The tailwheel gear assembly had collapsed sideways and contacted the steering spring. The attach bolt threads were damaged.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA95LA092