Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control upon landing due to a sheared tailwheel locking pin.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, upon touchdown, the tailwheel equipped airplane immediately “lurched” right. He said that he tried to correct, and the airplane initially veered left; however, it ultimately veered right followed by a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that neither occupant was actuating the brakes at the time of the landing.
A post-accident examination revealed that the tailwheel locking pin was sheared, which allowed the tailwheel to rotate freely more than 90°. When the pin is not engaged, the fork would have the ability to rotate and pivot independently of the steering arm and rudder input, a condition known as free-castoring.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA345 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 12, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Glenwood Springs Muni (GWS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N9726K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.