N929SCPiper PA-18-150 · 1979

According to a written statement provided by the pilot to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, he performed a three-point landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane. The airplane "bounced two times," and then it veered to the right. According to a written statement from the passenger, the "approach was normal, [but the] problems started after touchdown." The airplane turned to the right, the pilot initiated a go around; however, the left wing rose up, and the airplane "lost control" to the right. The airplane came to rest in the grass on the right side of the runway, and incurred substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

While practicing three point takeoffs and landings in the tail wheel equipped airplane for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required examination, the pilot experienced a loss of control when the airplane veered to the left after touchdown. The pilot stated that he tried to correct to the right but that he heard an abnormal noise from the tailwheel and then it locked. Examination of the accident site by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane had run off the right side of the runway, hit a taxiway sign, traveled 50 more yards, and nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed that its airframe was substantially damaged. The fabric was torn in numerous places, the propeller was broken, the forward left wing strut was bent, the right landing gear was broken and bent up under the fuselage, and the airframe exhibited evidence of torsional deformation. Further examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact failure or malfunction of the flight controls. No binding was discovered and the tailwheel would move freely to the left and right with rudder pedal application.