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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 16, 2019 · North American SNJ-4 · N694US

Heber City, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 16, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Heber City, UT
Aircraft
North American SNJ-4
Tail Number
N694US
Operator
Wasatch Flyers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20LA025

The pilot reported that after an uneventful three-point landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane with an 8-knot crosswind, the airplane veered to the left. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel-to-rudder link rod was separated from the rudder control horn. The associated attachment hardware, which included a bolt, castellated nut, and cotter pin were not located. Elongation and inward bending were observed on the upper and lower bearing shields, which most likely was a result of the bolt separating from the assembly. It could not be determined if the link rod bolt had a cotter pin installed prior to the accident. Although separation of the tailwheel-to-rudder link rod would disable tailwheel steering, which could reduce ability to maintain directional control during landing, the effect can be counteracted by other control inputs and differential braking.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

On November 16, 2019, about 1430 mountain standard time, a North American SNJ-4, N694US, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Heber Valley Airport (HCR), Heber City, Utah. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that prior to entering the airport traffic pattern, he listened to the airport’s automated weather observing system, noting the wind was from 340° at 9 knots, which equates to an 8-knot crosswind component. The pilot entered the airport traffic pattern for runway 4 and conducted an uneventful three-point landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. About 500 to 700 ft. after touchdown, the airplane veered to the left and despite the pilot's control inputs, exited the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the right main landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the right wing was structurally damaged. The tailwheel-to-rudder link rod, which provides tailwheel steering, was found separated from the rudder control horn, as seen in figure 1. The associated attachment hardware, which included a bolt, castellated nut, and cotter pin, were not located. Figure 1: Excerpt from a video provided by the pilot, showing the tailwheel to rudder link rod and damage. The rudder control horn side ball bearing was damaged, and upper and lower bearing housing shields were elongated and exhibited an inward bend along a portion of both shields, about 180° opposite of one another. The inner race was intact. The bearing balls were mostly separated from the bearing assembly. The airplane was equipped with a steerable tailwheel that could be locked into place. With the tailwheel locked, steering to the left and right is limited to 15°. A tailwheel-to-rudder link rod attached the rudder control horn to the tailwheel control horn and each connection point incorporated installation of one AN4-12 bolt, two AN960-C416L washers, one AN310-4 nut, and one AN380-2-2 cotter pin.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 MST
Nearest AirportHeber Valley (0nm SW)
Runway04
Runway Length6898 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American SNJ-4
Tail NumberN694US
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWasatch Flyers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 21 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data