Cessna 140 N2307V accident near Rice Lake, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported the tailwheel equipped airplane touched down on the main wheels and on the runway centerline. After touch down, an unusual amount of right rudder was required to keep the airplane straight for the calm wind condition, and as the airplane slowed, more right rudder was needed. When the tailwheel touched down, the airplane continued to veer toward the left until full right rudder had been applied. The pilot attempted to apply right brake to maintain directional control, but the brake did not function properly. The airplane subsequently entered a ground loop, departed the runway pavement, and struck a runway light before coming to rest.

The pilot stated that after the accident, he raised the right wheel of the airplane, spun it, and then applied the pilot’s right toe brake. The wheel continued to spin freely until the brake was pumped several times. At that point, the brake functioned properly and the wheel stopped spinning.

A postaccident examination conducted by a mechanic revealed damage to the fuselage near the right main landing gear attachment point. Further examination of both the left and right main wheel and brake assemblies was unable to identify any anomalies. The toe brakes functioned normally at that time.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA193 for the full record.