WPR26LA028

The pilot taxied the tailwheel airplane to the departure end of the runway, made a tight left turn to reverse direction on the runway for take-off, then applied hard-right tailwheel input to stop the turn and straighten the airplane. Once airborne, he realized the airplane yawed significantly to the right and the right rudder pedal seemed to be stuck. This condition required continuous full-left rudder control input to maintain coordinated flight. Upon reaching the destination airport, he communicated with the local air traffic controller and requested the largest runway out of concern the tailwheel might be stuck in an offset position and create a loss of directional control during landing. After touchdown the airplane ground looped to the left, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and tail cone. After exiting the airplane, he observed the steering arm was stuck in the full-right position. Photos taken by the pilot immediately after the accident showed both tailwheel steering springs/chains were under tension, and the tailwheel was offset to the left. With the assistance of others, the pilot picked up the airplane’s tail and kicked the steering arm loose, after which he was able to taxi the airplane to its hangar. The pilot shipped the tailwheel assembly to the NTSB, where an examination of the components was conducted. The overall condition of the assembly was consistent with a worn tailwheel locking/steering mechanism with an increased likelihood of unreliable lock engagement/disengagement and accelerated wear. The tailwheel assembly was replaced at an unknown date and the maintenance records did not contain any maintenance history of the tailwheel.