On May 21, 1982, a Cessna 180D (registration N6415X) operated by Laurita Hefner/sanna Green was involved in an aviation accident near Gillette, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the right main landing gear was caused by the wobble of the brake disk due to three of five brake anti-rattle clips being missing from each assembly, compounded by a lack of proper maintenance of the landing gear and brake assemblies. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft swerved off the runway and its right main gear collapsed. Investigation found missing brake anti-rattle clips and poor maintenance of landing gear assemblies.
What happened
The aircraft departed the paved surface, swerving to the left approximately 1500 feet from the approach end of the runway. During this excursion, the right main landing gear assembly collapsed.
The investigation
A detailed examination of the aircraft's braking system revealed significant discrepancies in component retention. Specifically, three of the five "brake anti-rattle clips" were missing from each brake assembly. This absence allowed the brake disk to wobble during operation. Further inspection indicated a general lack of proper maintenance for both the landing gear and brake assemblies.
Findings
The primary contributing factors included the mechanical failure of the braking system due to missing retention hardware and inadequate maintenance practices. The wobble caused by the missing clips likely compromised the structural integrity of the gear during the high-stress event of leaving the runway.
Probable cause
The collapse of the right main landing gear was caused by the wobble of the brake disk due to three of five brake anti-rattle clips being missing from each assembly, compounded by a lack of proper maintenance of the landing gear and brake assemblies.
What happened in the 21 May 1982 Cessna 180D accident near Gillette, WY?
An aircraft swerved off the runway and its right main gear collapsed. Investigation found missing brake anti-rattle clips and poor maintenance of landing gear assemblies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 May 1982 involved a Cessna 180D, registration N6415X, operated by Laurita Hefner/sanna Green, at Gillette, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The collapse of the right main landing gear was caused by the wobble of the brake disk due to three of five brake anti-rattle clips being missing from each assembly, compounded by a lack of proper maintenance of the landing gear and brake assemblies.
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