Probable cause
The loss of directional control due to a fractured tailwheel steering linkage assembly.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, during the approach to landing the student pilot correctly flared and maintained pitch attitude and airspeed as the airplane touched down. When the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane immediately yawed to the left uncontrollably. The airplane ground looped, and the main landing gear collapsed before coming to a stop.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. An examination of the tailwheel steering linkage assembly revealed the castellated nut fitting fractured.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA214 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 1, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greenwood, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Greenwood County Airport (GRD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North American SNJ-6
- N-number
- N451WA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1945
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.