Bellanca Aircraft Corp Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Sport / Recreational
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25.7; Flight Crew Total 86.5; Flight Crew Type 8.0
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During two practice landings at a nearby uncontrolled airport I noticed a vibration coming from the tailwheel which lasted about 2 seconds each time; starting just after touchdown. This did not cause any difficulty with directional control; so I decided to cease practice and return to my home airport. I took an indirect route; making radio contact with the tower when I was 10 miles to the northwest at 3000 feet MSL. I was instructed to report upon entering right downwind for runway 22R. A few minutes later I was offered runway 15L. Since the winds were calm and I was almost down to pattern altitude I accepted this and made an uneventful approach and three-point touchdown. Shortly after touchdown; as the airplane slowed; it veered left despite full right pedal pressure. I rolled onto the grass and continued to the left and around onto the left portion of the runway. I stopped rolling and informed the tower that I had recovered from a ground loop. At the time I planned to taxi down the runway; turn off at the nearest taxiway; and return to the hangar. However; when I attempted to taxi I encountered a severe left turning tendency that could not be overcome with right pedal pressure; and again rolled onto the grass next to the runway. I then informed the tower that I would need help returning to the hangar. They dispatched a crew from the FBO and I shut down the airplane. On arrival the FBO crew helped me roll the airplane back onto the runway; and determined that the tailwheel was castering freely and was no longer steerable. They suggested I attempt taxiing with brake control. We started the engine and I was able to taxi to the hangar at a very slow speed; requiring almost full right brake to keep from turning to the left.There was no damage to the airplane or to any people or structures on the ground. No runway lights were damaged. I was the sole occupant of the airplane and suffered no injury. At this time repairs have not yet been performed on the tailwheel; so I cannot give a specific cause for the tailwheel failure.
An unusual short term vibration from the tailwheel of high wing LSA during landing practice an another airport was a harbinger of the eventual failure of directional control upon landing; concluding with a ground loop back at the home airport.