May 2, 1997
Accident
Substantial LAKE WALES, FL
InjuriesNone
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
failure of the tail wheel to lock in the centered detent during the beginning of the takeoff roll, which resulted in the pilot being unable to maintain directional control and the aircraft drifting off the runway and nosing over in the soft ground.
NTSB MIA97LA157