I have a question to pose here:

I have heard about an issue with Scott tailwheels and that in certain circumstances they can "lock" backwards due to improper wear internally creating a notch on the reverse side of what I assume to be the arm assembly. When this notch is made the spring catches it causing the tailwheel to lock "backwards".

I am trying to do some research on this and I am not coming up with alot at all. If this is a known issue is there any ADs out on it, or nay tribal knowledge on how to recognize/prevent this from happening short of dismantling for inspection?

Thanks for any info!

Have you tried calling ABW? I think they on it now and are reputed to support it pretty well.

Never heard of this. Scott was bought out by a French firm, and their QC has gone in the toilet. Fortunately, Alaskan Bushwheel has picked up the torch, and now has pma'd replacement parts for every part in a tailwheel. And, those are good quality parts.

Properly set up and cared for Scott tailwheels are nearly bullet proof, and work just fine. If they're NOT cared for properly, they can be a little problematic, but in general, they soldier on very well without a lot of attention from the pilot.

Don't land tailwheel first in the pucker brush, do a good pre flight, and they should work well.

MTV

Yeah, what Mike said, that goes double for me too.
Try a grease gun?

Thanks you guys! I know I can always turn to the great people on here. I called AK bushwheel with Vick's advice and they have heard about this but it does sound like a rarity, and MTV hit on it that it mainly is due to poor upkeep, loose assembly, ongoing tailwheel shimmy, or even a multitude of hard landings.

Lets just say I know "someone" that this actually happened to.... luckily no damage ensued as a result (LUCKY!)

I had an issue with the 3200 on my C170 where it wold swivel around backward when pushing it into a parking spot (or whatever), and would then lock in that backwards 180 degrees out position. You had to put the towbar on it, or give it a swift jerk by hand, to get it to release. I think I replaced both the arm (p/n 3214) and the leaf-type spring inside, for a fix. The steering arm (3214) had something wierd going on with the notches, due to wear from the ends of the leaf spring having burrs on them.