Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The disconnected tailwheel compression spring, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The Maule M-5-180C airplane touched down on the main landing gear, and then the tailwheel touched down shortly thereafter. The pilot then experienced a "very strong pull to the left," and attempted to correct with aileron and rudder. The airplane departed the runway to the left, struck the wing, and came to rest upright. Examination of the tailwheel revealed that the retention clip for the right compression spring was missing, and the spring had disconnected from the swing arm. The retention clip was not recovered.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC06CA141