Summary
On October 03, 2008, a Piper J3C-65 (N2146M) was involved in an incident near Lynden, WA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The separation of the tailwheel spring retaining clip for unknown reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
The pilot stated that during the landing roll in a tailwheel equipped airplane, it veered suddenly to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, and impacted a hangar located adjacent to the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The tailwheel spring retaining clip was found separated from the tailwheel assembly. No anomalies were noted with the flight control system.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA002. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2146M.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The separation of the tailwheel spring retaining clip for unknown reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated that during the landing roll in a tailwheel equipped airplane, it veered suddenly to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, and impacted a hangar located adjacent to the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The tailwheel spring retaining clip was found separated from the tailwheel assembly. No anomalies were noted with the flight control system.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA002