Probable cause
Loss of directional control during landing due to an improperly constructed and maintained tailwheel locking assembly.
NTSB analysis
When the airplane’s tailwheel touched the ground during landing, the airplane immediately swerved and ground looped, causing substantial damage to the fuselage due to sideloads on the landing gear. The weather conditions were not a factor, and examination revealed that the tailwheel was jammed 45° relative to the direction of travel.
Further examination revealed that the tailwheel assembly locking mechanism was significantly worn and had been incorrectly constructed, so a positive lock was not possible. Under this condition, with light side loads as are often encountered during landing, the tailwheel could unlock and be pushed into an over center position. This resulted in the airplane aggressively swerving as observed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 26, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Prescott, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Prescott Rgnl - Ernest A Love (PRC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SH2
- N-number
- N29TT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- 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.