This October 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Cub. Injuries: None. Location: Lynden, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: During the landing roll the airplane suddenly veered to the right. Despite the pilot’s control inputs, it continued to veer to the right. The Cub went off the runway and crashed into a hangar. An examination revealed that the tailwheel spring retaining clip had separated from the tailwheel assembly.
Probable cause: The separation of the tailwheel spring retaining clip for unknown reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
For more information: NTSB.gov
