The pilot/builder of the experimental amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped Pitts S1S had just completed a flight as part of phase one flight testing.
He reported an uneventful approach to landing at the airport in Sedona, Ariz., with the main landing gear touching down first.
However, as soon as the tailwheel made contact with the runway, the airplane yawed violently to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and brake control input, but the plane did not respond, and departed the runway, descending down an embankment.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper wing spar and fuselage structure at the landing gear attach points.
Post-accident examination revealed that the tailwheel was locked 90° to the right.
The tailwheel assembly was disassembled, and the steering arm cam spring appeared jammed between the shaft and housing.
The inner surface of the housing exhibited scoring marks, consistent with a pre-existing failure of the spring.
The pilot reported that he had purchased the tailwheel assembly used, and that he did not have any records indicating its manufacturer or serial number.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as failure of the tailwheel steering assembly during maneuvering flight, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB Identification: WPR14CA390
This September 2014 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.
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Personally I have never installed a used part least be it a tail-wheel assembly without overhauling it. A new Maule pneumatic assembly needs complete tear down to make sure the latches work in both directions. Scotts are somewhat better but used assemblies always need the same parts.
A teachable moment. “You get what you pay for.” This is particularly in the used parts market. Second teachable moment. Examine used parts from the internet closely before installing them on an aircraft. Evidently the owner/builder didn’t do this crucial step before installing them.
“…departed the runway, descending down an embankment.”
He’s lucky he’s around to contribute to the NTSB report. Some of those embankments at Sedona, a beautiful airport and very interesting place to land, are darn near vertical.