Probable cause
Failure of the tailwheel locking mechanism, which resulted in a loss of control during landing and a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the vintage tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a three-point landing on the runway centerline, aligned with the runway, in light wind. Upon touchdown, the airplane swerved left. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder and brake application; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The pilot examined the tailwheel after the accident and noted that its locking mechanism had failed. Specifically, he believed that the spindle or brass thrust ring had failed internally.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 10, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alabaster, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Shelby County Airport (EET)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 305
- N-number
- N5301G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- 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.