Seaplane or Amphibian
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 70; Flight Crew Total 550; Flight Crew Type 110
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
After climbing out of a private airstrip I discovered that I had loss of rudder authority due to a (rudder) linkage part failure. After initial assessment and review of aircraft systems and airworthiness; I decided to contact Tower. They offered their runway for landing however I was in the vicinity of a private 5000 foot grass runway; which I considered more suitable to a successful conclusion of the flight. After circling the field several times; burning fuel and awaiting arrival of emergency personnel; made a straight in approach to the north. Touched down without incident; rolled out to approximately 20 mph when the aircraft nose yawed right (tail wheel was down at this point); resulting in a hard left turn of the aircraft; main wheels skidding in a tight ground loop turn. There was no contact made with the ground by the right float or wing tip. The aircraft came to a stop heading 180 degrees opposite direction of landing. Emergency crews arrived; assessed that there were no injuries; no observable damage to the aircraft or possibility of fire. I gave them my information; signed their form and the emergency crews departed.
Reporter stated the rudder control system issue was traced to the failure of a nylon/neoprene block that the rudder control tube is routed through. Reporter also stated this is a known issue at SeaRey; and the part has been redesigned and upgraded at least twice; but the manufacturer did not share this information with the builder community.
SeaRey Elite pilot reported a failure of a rudder linkage component. Pilot elected to land at the nearest suitable field. The landing was normal until at low speed when steering was lost.