Amateur-built STARDUSTER TOO SA300 N96558 accident near Scappoose, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll with a tailwheel shimmy.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that while landing the tailwheel equipped airplane, upon touch down, it began to deviate to the right, and he felt a shimmy when the tail came down. The pilot was unable to maintain directional despite rudder and brake inputs. The airplane subsequently ground looped, exited the runway surface, struck a runway light, and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower left wing. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 15. Calm wind was reported 22 minutes prior to the accident and 38 minutes after the accident, reported wind was from 060° at 5 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA237 for the full record.