HELENA, MT, USA
N8679X
CESSNA C-180E
THE COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS MAKING HIS FOURTH LANDING OF THE MORNING. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE MAIN LANDING GEAR AS PLANNED AND THEN HE LET THE TAIL WHEEL TOUCH DOWN ON THE RUNWAY. HE IMMEDIATELY FELT A VIBRATION AND HE LIFTED THE TAIL WHEEL BACK OFF OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER THE TAIL WHEEL CAME OFF THE RUNWAY HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IT GROUND-LOOPED. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TAIL WHEEL BEARING AND PIVOT WAS WORN. IN ADDITION, THE RIGHT RUDDER BRAKE PEDAL RETURN SPRING WAS FOUND SEPARATED FROM THE ATTACHMENT BRACKET.
THE MALFUNCTION OF THE TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
